Reader’s Question:

What does it by Youthful Offender Status in Vermont?

Ricky

Colchester, VT

A youth charged in an adult criminal proceeding in Vermont who is between the ages of ten and sixteen at the time of the violation may get treatment as a youthful offender. And in some cases in Vermont an individual that is sixteen or seventeen may also request to be granted the youthful offender status. If the individual is granted this status by a district court the case is transferred to the juvenile court.

In addition, in Vermont once a youth is awarded youthful offender status, that person is given a blended sentence in juvenile court; that is, the individual is adjudicated as a delinquent and sentenced as an adult at the same time, for the same violation. The adult sentence is suspended while the youth has the chance to successfully finish the conditions of the juvenile disposition.

To check what youthful offender status means in Vermont you can research your state’s law with regards to this term or contact an attorney or courthouse.