The teen years are notorious for being a challenging time for young adults and their families. Even the most loving, supportive family unit may struggle to manage the emotional outbursts and impulsive behavior of teenagers.
Teens feel intense social pressure from their peers. Their desire for stimulation and excitement could lead them to commit impulse crimes. Shoplifting, speeding and even experimenting with mind-altering substances are relatively common among teenagers.
Even young adults who maintain solid grades, generally respect their parents and otherwise avoid overt rebelliousness may occasionally make mistakes that could put them at risk. Parents may need to be ready to intervene and provide support if a teenager's momentary lapse of judgment results in criminal prosecution.
Why do teenagers make bad choices?
By the time a teenager enters high school or starts driving, they almost certainly understand that specific behaviors are unsafe or illegal. However, they may take for granted that they can get away with breaking the rules or the law.
The underdeveloped prefrontal cortex in the teenage brain does not always help a young adult make a safety-conscious choice about their behavior. Many teenagers who generally make smart decisions can experience pressure from their friends that inspires them to pocket something at the store or drive with a lead foot.
Those little decisions can carry surprisingly serious consequences for young adults. Unfortunately, police officers and prosecutors do not always use discretion when responding to juvenile offenses. They may try to set an example by prosecuting a young adult aggressively for what was truly a one-time mistake.
If a teenager ends up facing juvenile charges, the criminal record that results could have a major implication for that teenager's future. Parents hoping to help their children learn from their mistakes and minimize the lasting consequences of a recent arrest may need to help the young adult navigate the criminal justice system.
Avoiding a conviction and the penalties that the courts might impose could make a major difference for a young adult whose opportunities could end up limited because of a mistake or misunderstanding. Parents often need to help their teens understand the gravity of their charges and access legal representation after an arrest accordingly. Fighting back against juvenile criminal charges requires an understanding of the law and an appropriate criminal defense strategy. Seeking legal guidance is a great way to get started.
