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What is juvenile delinquency?

Juvenile delinquency is essentially criminal behaviour by young people up to the age of 18. Examples include: committing violence, stealing, robbery and threatening.

If a minor has committed an criminal fact, he does not come before a criminal court but a juvenile court.

It is only from the age of 18 that a person is criminally competent. The exception is when it comes to traffic offences, then the age is 16. For certain offences, young people over 16 can also still be sentenced under adult criminal law. This is called handover.

By the way, a minor who commits a crime does not come before the criminal court, but before the juvenile court. The latter does not impose punishments, but measures.

Do I need a lawyer?

When a minor is questioned as a suspect of a MOF, the assistance of an attorney is mandatory. Minors can therefore never waive that right to assistance and will therefore always consult with a lawyer before any interrogation. When they are deprived of their liberty, it is also best for them to be assisted during interrogation.

Which laws are in force for the MOF you committed depends on where you committed the act. This is because each community has different laws; a lawyer knows these and can help you in a targeted way.

A lawyer can ensure that, as a minor, you get clarity more quickly about the situation and the duration of the measures taken. Who can explain these to you in an understandable way.

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