Arrest and Disposition of Juveniles In Arkansas Circuit Courts: Summary

• NCJ Number: 118194
• Author(s): B J McCoy
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 30 pages
• Grant Number(s): 80-JS-AX-0026
• Corporate Author: Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examines the cases of juveniles under age 18 charged with criminal offenses and tried in selected Arkansas Circuit Courts during 1978 to 1980.

Abstract

During the period 1978 to 1980, there were 45,865 arrests involving juveniles under age 18 for violations of Arkansas laws. In 1978, 4467 juveniles were diverted to Circuit (adult) Courts, and by 1980 the number of juvenile diversions to adult courts had increased to 5276. Arrest data and data regarding juveniles committed to the Arkansas Department of Corrections were derived from reports prepared by the Arkansas Crime Information Center and the Arkansas Department of Youth Services. Data from selected Judicial Circuits came from records of the circuit clerks that were researched to identify cases involving juveniles. The study found that most juveniles who appear in Circuit Court are charged with property offenses, not dangerous crimes. Because Circuit Court sentences for juveniles often result in probation or suspended sentences, it does not keep juveniles off the streets. Circuit Court probation also becomes a part of the youngster's lifetime criminal record, while probation from juvenile court does not. The study advocates an examination of the reasons why Arkansas juveniles not charged with serious offenses are brought into adult court, as well as better record keeping by both adult and juvenile courts.