MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the outcome of civil infractions for juveniles typically considered?

1. Serious criminal charges

2. Minor violations

3. Major offenses

4. Felonies

The correct answer is: Minor violations

The outcome of civil infractions for juveniles is typically considered minor violations. Civil infractions are non-criminal offenses that usually result in less severe penalties than criminal charges. They often involve behaviors that are not seen as criminal acts but may still warrant a response from authorities, such as truancy, curfew violations, or certain traffic offenses. In the context of juvenile justice, treating civil infractions as minor violations reflects an understanding that juveniles are still developing and are often subject to different standards than adults. This approach allows for a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, which is aligned with the core principles of how the juvenile justice system aims to guide young individuals toward positive behavior changes rather than labeling them with serious criminal charges or major offenses. Hence, labeling these infractions as minor aligns with the goal of fostering development and accountability in a constructive manner.