This week there’s a great article in the Harvard Political Review about the impacts of jailing juvenile offenders, and how incarceration at a young age increases the risk of future prison time. The article cites both the literal costs ($240.99 per day cost to taxpayers) and the hidden costs, such as emotional and mental duress, and behavioral problems.
The article makes a strong case for earlier intervention, including in the schools, and the association between juvenile criminal behavior and various mental and conduct disorders. At JR Law, we strive to provide juvenile criminal defense representation that provides the best possible outcome for children facing criminal charges. We work with the schools, prosecutors, the police and others involved in investigating an incident and determining the consequences. This can be an effective approach to early intervention.