Teenage Lawbreaking: Navigating Legal Consequences

It can be a challenging and confusing time for both teenagers and their parents when a teenager accidentally breaks the law. Teenagers are at an impressionable age, and they may make mistakes due to their growth and hormones, peer pressure, or a desire to take risks. It is important for parents to remember that their love and support for their child remain unchanged, even if they disagree with their choices. While it is crucial to hold teenagers accountable for their actions and ensure they understand the consequences, it is also essential to provide guidance and help them learn from their mistakes. Depending on the severity of the offence, teenagers who break the law may face various legal consequences, including fines, community service, or detention in a youth facility.

Legal consequences for teenagers breaking the law

It can be overwhelming for parents when their teenager breaks the law. While parents may experience a range of emotions, it is important to remember that teenagers make mistakes and poor choices due to their developmental stage and the associated hormonal changes.

In Australia, governments aim to keep young people away from the criminal justice system as much as possible. Similarly, in the UK, children under 10 who break the law are treated differently from adults or youths under 18. These children cannot be charged with committing a criminal offence but can be given a Local Child Curfew or a Child Safety Order.

If a teenager between the ages of 10 and 17 commits a serious offence, they will be charged and will have to attend Children's Court. If they are over 17, they will have to attend the Magistrates Court. For very serious crimes, the young person may have to go to the County or Supreme Court.

If a young person is found guilty of a crime, the court can impose a range of penalties, including:

• A dismissal and/or caution: the case is dismissed, or the young person is warned against reoffending.
• A Good Behaviour Bond: the teenager agrees not to commit any crimes for up to two years, with or without supervision.
• A fine: the teenager has to pay a set amount of money to the court as a penalty.
• A referral to a youth justice conference: the young person may agree to apologize to the victim, pay for any damage caused, or make a donation, and will receive support to help prevent reoffending.
• Probation: the teenager is required to meet with a probation officer for up to two years and follow their advice.
• A Community Service Order: the young person must complete a set number of hours of community work.
• A period of detention: the teenager is placed in a youth detention centre for a certain period.

Parents can support their teenager by seeking legal advice and helping them understand the consequences of their actions without constantly reprimanding them. It is important to hold teenagers accountable and let them know that their actions have repercussions, but also to provide love and support during this confusing and scary time.

How to support your teenager

It can be extremely distressing for parents when their teenager breaks the law. It is important to remember that this is a difficult time for your teenager as well, and they will need your support. Here are some ways you can support your teenager if they have broken the law:

Understand the reasons behind their actions

Try to understand why your teenager broke the law. Young people may break the law to take risks, due to a lack of self-control, or because they do not have adequate support. Reflect on your teenager's life and identify any potential issues. Are they depressed, or have they experienced trauma? Are they using drugs or drinking heavily? Do they feel isolated or hopeless about their future? Are they spending time with other young people who engage in criminal behaviour?

Encourage them to seek help

There are many support services available for young people, and you should encourage your teenager to make use of these. Depending on their needs, they could benefit from mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment centres, youth support services, or employment programs.

Be careful about the messages you give them

Remember that your behaviour has a powerful influence on your children. If you or another member of your family is breaking the law, your teenager is more likely to think it is acceptable for them to do so as well. Be mindful of the example you set for your teenager, and ensure that you are modelling the behaviour you want them to follow.

Hold them accountable, but continue to show love

While it is important that your teenager understands the consequences of their actions and is held accountable, it is also crucial that they feel supported and loved during this difficult time. Let them know that you love them and are there for them, even if you disagree with their choices.

Get legal advice

If your teenager has been charged with a crime, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. They may be entitled to free legal advice from a legal aid service, depending on your location. A lawyer will be able to advise on the best course of action and work to achieve the fairest outcome for your teenager.

Understanding why teenagers break the law

When teenagers get into trouble with the law, it can be frustrating for parents who understand the impact this could have on their child's future. Teenagers themselves may not fully grasp the seriousness of their actions or how a criminal conviction can limit their opportunities.

There are several reasons why teenagers might break the law. Firstly, it's a natural part of human growth and development to rebel and seek independence. Teenagers may push back against any form of authority, even if they understand that breaking the law is unwise. Secondly, the brain's frontal lobe is not fully developed until around age 25, which means that teenagers may have more difficulty making prudent decisions. They may lack the capacity to fully understand the consequences of their actions. Thirdly, peer pressure can play a significant role in teenage behaviour. The desire to fit in with their social groups can lead teenagers to take risks and make choices they might not otherwise make.

Additionally, some young people may break the law because they want to take risks, they have little self-control, or they lack support. In some cases, underlying issues such as depression, trauma, substance abuse, loneliness, or a lack of skills and hope for the future can contribute to a teenager's decision to break the law. It's important for parents to be mindful of the messages they convey to their children, as their behaviour can also influence whether a teenager views breaking the law as acceptable.

While most young people learn from their mistakes and don't continue to commit crimes, those who do require help and guidance. Support services, such as mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment centres, and youth support services, can provide valuable assistance to teenagers who are struggling and help them make more positive choices.

Seeking legal advice for teenagers

If a teenager accidentally breaks the law, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Depending on the country and region, there are various options for legal aid and advice for minors. Here are some guidelines and resources for seeking legal advice for teenagers:

Understanding Legal Rights

It is crucial for teenagers to understand their legal rights and the consequences of their actions. In some countries, such as Australia, governments aim to keep young people away from the criminal justice system as much as possible. Understanding their rights can help teenagers navigate the legal system and make informed decisions.

Seeking Legal Aid

Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal services to those who cannot afford a private lawyer. In Australia, each state has a Legal Aid Service that offers free legal advice to unemployed or low-income individuals, including teenagers. Similarly, in the United States, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) provides financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans through nonprofit legal aid organizations across the country. Quebec in Canada also offers free legal aid to minors, regardless of their financial situation, if they have been accused of a crime or are involved with the Director of Youth Protection (DYP).

Online Resources

There are online resources available that provide legal information and advice specifically for teenagers. Websites like Youth Law Australia offer legal information and answers to common legal questions for teenagers and their parents. Community Legal Centres Australia also has a directory to help locate the nearest Community Legal Centre (CLC), which provides free legal advice.

In-Person Legal Services

In addition to online resources, there are in-person legal services tailored to young people. For example, Legal Aid ACT in the Australian Capital Territory offers free and confidential legal advice to individuals aged 12-25. Similarly, the Youth Advocacy Centre in Queensland provides legal advice over the phone or in person. It is recommended that teenagers take an adult with them when seeking legal advice to help with decision-making and understanding complex legal terms.

Support Services

Breaking the law can be a result of underlying issues such as mental health problems, substance abuse, or a lack of support. It is important to address these issues alongside legal advice. Support services such as mental health programs, drug and alcohol treatment centres, and youth support services can provide additional assistance to help teenagers get back on track.

The role of parents in preventing teenage lawbreaking

Parents play a crucial role in preventing teenage lawbreaking. Here are some ways in which parents can actively contribute to reducing the likelihood of their teenagers breaking the law:

Open Communication and Approachability:

Establishing an open and honest line of communication with teenagers is essential. Parents should strive to create an environment where their children feel comfortable expressing their feelings, asking questions, and sharing their opinions. This approachability fosters trust and encourages teenagers to come to their parents for guidance and support, reducing the likelihood of them resorting to unlawful behaviours.

Teaching Values, Boundaries, and Consequences:

Parents are responsible for teaching their children about values, morals, and boundaries from an early age. It is important to explain the difference between right and wrong and the consequences of their actions. By doing so, teenagers can develop a sense of responsibility and understand how their choices can impact themselves and others.

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence:

Parents should respond appropriately to their children's emotions, teaching them how to manage their feelings effectively. By nurturing their children's emotional intelligence, parents can help teenagers develop healthy coping mechanisms. This can reduce the likelihood of teenagers engaging in unlawful behaviours as a result of impulsive decisions or a lack of emotional regulation.

Encouraging Healthy Risk-Taking:

Teenagers often test boundaries and take risks as part of their development. Parents can play a role in guiding them towards healthy risk-taking. This involves providing opportunities for teenagers to explore their interests, take on challenges, and make their own decisions in a safe and supportive environment. By encouraging healthy risk-taking, parents can reduce the likelihood of teenagers engaging in unlawful behaviours to satisfy their need for excitement or rebellion.

Providing Support and Guidance:

Parents should be vigilant in identifying potential risk factors that may lead their teenagers to break the law. These could include mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, peer influence, or a lack of life skills. By staying involved in their children's lives and offering support and guidance, parents can help address these underlying issues and reduce the likelihood of their teenagers turning to unlawful behaviours.

Leading by Example:

Parents must recognise that their behaviour has a powerful influence on their children. Setting a positive example by abiding by the law and demonstrating respect for authority can have a significant impact on teenagers. Consistently displaying values such as honesty, integrity, and empathy can help shape their children's character and reduce the likelihood of them engaging in unlawful behaviours.

Frequently asked questions