New Jersey, and the rest of the United States, notice an increase in juvenile crimes during the summer months. Understanding why there is an increase, as well as ways you can keep your kids out of trouble, is important, as a criminal record can affect their future.
Common Types of Juvenile Crimes in Summer
Here are a few of the most common juvenile crimes, and their causes, that occur in the summer months in New Jersey:
Theft
Teens are out of school for the summer months. They may seek entertainment by hanging out at the local mall. Whether they have limited funds or are looking for a way to reduce their boredom, they may turn to theft.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Some teens may also engage in drinking and driving. Summer nights may be spent with little supervision at a friend’s house, where alcohol may be involved. They may not be aware of the risks or implications of driving under the influence in New Jersey. They may also fear getting in trouble so they don’t call parents for a ride instead.
Drug or Alcohol Charges
Teens may also turn to drugs, either due to peer pressure or boredom. They may experiment with drugs, which can lead to possession charges. Drug and alcohol charges can be especially problematic as a teen, as certain charges can not only lead to a criminal record, but also an inability to get school loans.
Curfew Violations
Some New Jersey cities have curfews for certain age groups. Teens who are coming home from friend’s houses late at night, or even driving home after work can break these curfews, which can lead to charges. The curfews are in place to decrease the occurrence of other teen-related crimes. However, they may also affect teens who are not getting into trouble.
How to Keep Your Teen Out of Trouble
While you cannot prevent everything that your teen does, you can take a few steps to keep them out of trouble:
- Inform them of consequences: Many teens are not aware of the long-lasting consequences that come with many charges. They may not be aware that they could be subject to jail time, or that their actions today can affect where they go to college.
- Provide them with alternatives: While you would prefer to keep your teen out of trouble, it can be a good idea to provide them with alternatives if they do find themselves in trouble. This might include offering them a free pass if they have been drinking, as long as they call you for a ride, rather than driving.
- Know their location: Knowing your teen’s location, and how to reach them, is important to keep them out of trouble.
- Set rules: Rules ensure that everyone knows what to expect. In addition to rules, make sure your teen is aware of the implications of breaking them.
Summer break can change the routine that you and your family create. For this reason, it is important to reevaluate rules and routines when schedules change, like in the summer.
Contact an Experienced Mount Laurel Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Teen’s Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Was your teen arrested or charged with a crime in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving them with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending them to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The Law Offices of Michele Finizio have successfully represented clients charged with criminal charges in Evesham Township, Mount Laurel, Willingboro, Pemberton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 230-0374 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 9 E. Main St, Moorestown, NJ 08057, as well as an office located in Cherry Hill, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
