How are juvenile crimes typically categorized?

Juvenile crimes are typically categorized based on the nature of the offense because this classification helps identify the seriousness and specific traits of the crime committed. The nature of the offense can range from status offenses, which are only considered violations because of the offender's age (like truancy or running away from home), to more serious criminal offenses such as theft or assault. This categorization is vital for understanding the legal responses and interventions that may be appropriate for the juvenile in question, which can differ significantly depending on the type of crime committed.

In juvenile law, assessing the type of offense allows legal systems to apply appropriate interventions and rehabilitation measures, focusing on reform rather than punishment, reflecting the understanding that juveniles are different from adults in their development and capacity for change. This foundational principle underlies many aspects of juvenile justice.