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Throughout the course, you’ve explored the different
components of the criminal justice system and how they function on their own.
It is also important to understand how they function together. The juvenile
justice system has different rules and processes than the adult justice system.
In this assignment, you will explore how a juvenile progresses through the
different components of the criminal justice system so you can gain
understanding of the relationship between these components and see how the juvenile
justice system works.
Read the scenario below and complete the assignment
that follows.
Scenario
17-year-old Peter broke into a home, stole approximately
$10,000 worth of jewelry and electronics, and consumed a bottle of wine before
he fled the scene in a stolen car. The police stopped Peter after noticing him
swerving, speeding, and then slowing down on the interstate highway. During the
stop, police saw the “loot” stashed in the back seat of Peter’s car and
suspected he was involved in more than driving while intoxicated. Peter was
properly arrested and booked on the charge of driving while intoxicated.
The police believe Peter’s fingerprints will match those
discovered at the burglary scene and are likely to charge him with burglary and
larceny, as well as grand theft auto. Peter’s parents have been contacted and
are debating whether he should retain counsel because they are struggling
financially. To complicate matters, Peter fully admitted to the charges before
his parents were contacted.
Since it is Peter’s first time in the juvenile justice
system, neither he nor his parents know what to expect. What is likely to
happen? Will Peter have to go to court or trial? If so, what can he expect in
the court process?
Scenario adapted with permission from: McGraw-Hill
Instructor Resources for Bohm, R., & Haley, N. K. (2021). Introduction
to criminal justice (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Instructions
Research the juvenile justice laws or policies in
your community or state and write a 1,050- to 1,400-word response to
Peter’s parents. Explain the process Peter might go through in the application
of criminal justice in your community or state.
Note: You may wish to use Figure 13.1, “The Formal
Juvenile Justice Process,” on p. 542 of your textbook to guide your research.
Address the following in your paper:
Identify
the city or state laws you are researching.
Describe
1 or more procedures police may use in processing Peter’s case and
explain why you selected these procedures. Consider the following
questions in your response:
What
steps might the police take in their investigation?
Will
Peter be charged with a crime(s)? If so, what crime(s) could Peter be
charged with?
What
options do all parties (Peter, his parents, and the police) have related
to intake, processing, and custody or release?
Identify
1 or more potential court proceedings Peter may face and explain why you
selected these proceedings. Consider the following questions in your
response:
What
legal and financial rights can Peter and his family pursue?
Is
Peter likely to go through informal or formal court proceedings? Explain
your reasoning.
Describe
court procedures if Peter’s case goes to trial. Include any details
related to these procedures.
If
Peter goes through a disposition hearing, what will that entail? Describe
the type of justice the judge may administer.
Predict
1 potential post-court outcome. Explain the rationale for your prediction
with relevant details. Address the following question in your response:
What
will life be like for Peter after he has exited the court system?
Cite 1 or 2 sources to support your assignment.
Format your assignment according to APA
guidelines.
