NCJ Number
152536
Date Published
1992
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings of a committee established by the Virginia legislature to study the serious juvenile offender and assess and recommend improvements in the law regarding transfer of juveniles to criminal courts.
Abstract
The committee has completed the first phase of the data analysis and is requesting continuation of the study for another year. Findings to date reveal that circuit court convictions of juvenile offenders increased 31 percent between 1988 and 1990, compared to a 7 percent increase in arrests for transferable crimes. Jurisdictions vary widely in arrests, commitments, and transfers of eligible juveniles. Juveniles committed to learning centers and those convicted in circuit court are mainly minority males who are at least 2 years behind their age-appropriate grade level. Sixty-three percent of those convicted in circuit court are sentenced to prison; 22 percent receive no incarceration. Prior property offenses and the juvenile's age are the greatest predictors of the decision to transfer a case. Public attitudes vary widely regarding juvenile court waivers. Finally, existing data and information collection systems for juvenile offenders are inadequate. Figures, tables, and recommendations for further research