Drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in Washington. However, many teens -- and even some parents -- are unaware that simply having alcohol in one’s possession when underage is considered illegal. In Washington, a minor in possession -- MIP -- charge can...
Year: 2021
How ACEs impact youthful offenders
Few things in life are equal, and many children do not get the same opportunities as their peers do early in life. Adverse Childhood Events -- ACEs -- can set some children in Washington on paths where they are more likely to engage in unlawful behavior. ACEs...
Washington police arrest high school student
Authorities in Washington recently arrested a teen boy after receiving reports about a possible gun at a high school campus. Investigators are currently deciding which charges would be most appropriate to file, and they have noted that he is being treated as a minor....
Teen faces criminal charge over school threat
Schools in Washington typically take threats of violence seriously regardless of intent. This means that a teenager’s poor idea of a joke will likely be treated as a serious criminal matter, even if he or she only briefly made a poor decision. A teenager in Washington...
Autism and juvenile offenders
Every year, numerous children receive an autism diagnosis. It is a neurological disorder that causes them to view the world differently. It also causes them to not fully understand their actions or what is or isn’t appropriate behavior. With an increase in autism...
Teen charged in death of baby
Girls who become pregnant as teenagers often do not have access to resources that would help them successfully parent and raise their babies, such as an income or supportive parents. Indeed, some teen girls may even be frightened of telling their families, and may...
Washington teen facing criminal charges for accident
Police in Washington recently arrested a 15-year-old girl for her alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident. She is currently charged with both a felony hit and run as well as second degree murder. Authorities expect that she will likely be tried as a juvenile...
What is a status offense?
The years between childhood and adulthood can be confusing, and are a period of time when most teenagers push boundaries. It is not uncommon for teens to try out different aspects of adulthood either, often by engaging in activities that they commonly associate with...
Can education lower teen crime rates?
Washington parents already know how important it is for their children to get a good education. However, researchers believe that schools could be doing more to educate children while simultaneously reducing teen crime rates. Research has shown that the simple act of...
New law aims to protect youth from police questioning
Anyone who has ever had to speak with a police officer concerning possible crimes knows just how stressful the situation can be. For children the process can be even more overwhelming, especially if they do not have someone who can advocate for their rights with them...