Definition - What does youthful offender mean?
A youthful offender is a person who is convicted of a crime and is deemed to be a minor in terms of the law. The determination of a minor varies across states but is typically classified as a person aged 10 or above but no older than 18 years of age. A person of this age group may be charged for behaviors that are only deemed crimes due to their age. Examples include truancy and underage drinking.
SureHire explains youthful offender
A person may be eligible for classification as a youthful offender where they do not have prior felony convictions or where the crime committed is not a class A felony or first degree sex crime. A youthful offender is granted special concessions in terms of the law in order to better serve justice. Specifically, this means that the offender is given the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves through community programs and youth correctional facilities instead of receiving lengthy prison sentences and criminal records that effect their future.
If a youthful offender sentence is handed down the record is sealed to the public.
