How many times can a minor file youthful offender status on traffic tickets?

Full question:

How many times can a minor file youthful offender status on traffic tickets? My son has been told numberous times that other kids have filed several times but the judge told my son he could not use youthful offender but one time- why did these other youths get to file it up to 5 times?

Answer:

It may be that the judge decided under his discretion not to allow a further use of the youthful offender status. The following is an Alabama statute:

Investigation and examination by court to determine how tried; consent of minor to trial without jury; arraignment as youthful offender.

(a) A person charged with a crime which was committed in his minority but was not disposed of in juvenile court and which involves moral turpitude or is subject to a sentence of commitment for one year or more shall, and, if charged with a lesser crime may be investigated and examined by the court to determine whether he should be tried as a youthful offender, provided he consents to such examination and to trial without a jury where trial by jury would otherwise be available to him. If the defendant consents and the court so decides, no further action shall be taken on the indictment or information unless otherwise ordered by the court as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) After such investigation and examination, the court, in its discretion, may direct that the defendant be arraigned as a youthful offender, and no further action shall be taken on the indictment or information; or the court may decide that the defendant shall not be arraigned as a youthful offender, whereupon the indictment or information shall be deemed filed.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

A youthful offender is typically someone who is charged with a crime while under the age of 18 and may be eligible for special treatment under the law, such as reduced penalties or rehabilitation programs. A juvenile offender, on the other hand, refers to any minor who has committed a crime, regardless of whether they qualify for youthful offender status. The distinction often lies in the legal options available and the potential for a more lenient approach to rehabilitation for youthful offenders.