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Juvenile criminal law: what applies to juveniles and young adults

For juveniles (14-17) and often also young adults (18-20), juvenile criminal law applies. It puts the educational idea in the foreground: instead of classic penalties, educational measures, conditions and, only as a last resort, a juvenile sentence are on the table. Parents and youth court assistance are involved.

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In juvenile criminal law, education is in the foreground (Juvenile Court Act). Possible are educational measures, disciplinary measures (e.g. work conditions) and, as a last resort, a juvenile sentence. For young adults (18-20), depending on maturity, juvenile or adult criminal law can apply.
Youth court assistance accompanies the proceedings and proposes suitable measures. An early defense specialized in juvenile criminal law can achieve a lot, often discontinuations or mild, educational responses are possible.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Bring in a lawyer

    Get a defense lawyer experienced in juvenile criminal law early. Here too: remain silent at first.

  2. 2

    2. Youth court assistance

    Youth court assistance makes contact; an open, cooperative approach can have a positive effect.

  3. 3

    3. Involve the parents

    With minors, the parents are involved and should accompany the proceedings with the lawyer.

  4. 4

    4. Education-oriented solution

    The goal is usually an educational, future-oriented response, from a discontinuation to conditions instead of a harsh penalty.

How to spot the scam

  • The juvenile testifies without a lawyer and without parents.
  • The educational idea is not used to reach a mild solution.
  • The special role of youth court assistance is underestimated.

Frequently asked questions

Who does juvenile criminal law apply to?

For juveniles from 14 to 17 years always, for young adults from 18 to 20 years depending on maturity and offense, then juvenile or adult criminal law can be applied. Children under 14 are not criminally responsible.

Which measures exist?

In the foreground are educational responses: educational measures (e.g. directives), disciplinary measures (e.g. a warning, work conditions, short detention) and, only as a last resort, the juvenile sentence. The educational idea shapes the whole procedure.

What role do parents and youth court assistance play?

With minors, the parents are involved in the proceedings. Youth court assistance accompanies the proceedings, prepares a report and proposes suitable measures. An early, specialized defense is important to reach an educational, mild solution.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.