Top Juvenile Crimes in Michigan (and Where to Get Help)
In Michigan, the number of juvenile crimes has been steadily decreasing since 2006 and consistently ranked below the national average. Nonetheless, in 2019, over 418 people between the ages of 10 and 17 were arrested for crimes like aggravated assault, larceny/theft, or drug abuse.
While you might not be able to protect your child from all risks they might run in their lives, understanding the most common juvenile crimes in Michigan can prevent them from getting into trouble. Learn about the most common juvenile criminal charges in the state and where to get help if your child is facing charges in this guide by the Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar, PLC.
Most Common Juvenile Crimes in Michigan
The most common crimes committed by juvenile delinquents, based on national arrest data and trends, include the following categories:
Larceny/Theft
Assault and Violent Crimes
Assault is a common juvenile crime in Michigan. Violent crimes often stem from a personal history of abuse or other crimes such as drug abuse. Assault incidents might also happen in school after displaying bullying behavior towards peers and can come with physical violence or emotional abuse of others.
Other violent crimes that are common against teens include aggravated assault, which is assault that results in serious bodily harm or involves the use of weapons. While aggravated assault incidents are 71% lower than the 1994 peak and have reached an all-time low in 2019, 80 people aged 10-17 are arrested for every 100,000 for this crime.
Drug and Alcohol Crimes and Illegal Purchases
Buying illegal substances such as alcohol and drugs might seem a harmless rite of passage for most teenagers. However, this is not only an incredibly widespread problem, but it is also a highly dangerous one. Indeed, 200 million teens in the US are estimated to drink and drive each month, and this small percentage of the population accounts for over 17% of all fatal alcohol-related incidents. Additionally, teens can end up facing charges for possession of illegal substances and disorderly conduct.
Vandalism
Vandalism—or the deliberate damage or destruction of property—is one of the most common juvenile crimes in Michigan and across the state. Whether they are acting alone or with others, teenagers might end up drawing graffiti or causing damage to homes and commercial buildings.
In most cases, vandalism is treated as a misdemeanor, which means that your teen might only face a fine or a year in a local jail. However, if not corrected, vandalism and property damage can evolve into more severe issues.
Burglary and Motor Vehicle Theft
While less common than larceny, juveniles still commit crimes such as burglary and motor vehicle theft in Michigan. Both offenses have seen a decline in recent years, but they continue to pose serious risks to a young person’s future. Although motor vehicle theft arrests have dropped overall, notable racial disparities in arrest rates remain an area of concern.
Arson
Arson offenses among juveniles are less frequent than other property crimes but are still a serious issue. According to justice statistics, there has been a slight increase in juvenile arson arrests in recent years. Although less common, being charged with arson can carry severe legal consequences that may impact a teen’s future if not addressed properly.
Other Status Offenses
Other status offenses that juvenile criminals in Michigan are likely to become involved with include:
- Truancy
- Curfew violations
- Incorrigibility
- Disorderly conduct
- Drug abuse
Partner With a Defense Attorney Specializing in Juvenile Crimes in Michigan
Seeing your teenager growing into a mature and responsible adult is incredibly rewarding—but it is definitely a journey that comes with its fair share of challenges. If your child has become involved with other teens committing crimes, or finds themselves facing charges of their own, they deserve a chance to speak up for themselves with fair and honest representation.
Partnering with a specialized lawyer at the Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar, PLC can help your whole family recover from this incident. Give your child’s future the best possible protection by seeking expert legal counsel from our team today. Don’t wait! Call us now for the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Speak to a Pro: (248) 855-0911