What type of offense does youth court not handle?

Youth court, also known as juvenile court, primarily deals with offenses committed by minors, which often include misdemeanors and, in some jurisdictions, certain traffic violations and civil infractions. However, felonies are typically outside the jurisdiction of youth courts. When minors are charged with felony offenses, these cases may be escalated to adult court, especially for more serious crimes.

This aligns with the broader goal of youth courts, which is to rehabilitate rather than punish young offenders for less serious offenses. Consequently, the court focuses on situations that can be addressed through counseling, community service, and educational programs, reflecting a restorative justice approach. Therefore, felonies, often involving severe consequences and more complex legal implications, are not handled within the youth court system.