How is the severity of juvenile offenses classified?

The classification of the severity of juvenile offenses primarily relies on the class of offense and the juvenile's delinquency history. Different types of offenses, such as misdemeanors, felonies, or status offenses, are categorized by their seriousness, which directly affects the legal proceedings and potential consequences. For instance, a felony would be treated more severely than a misdemeanor.

Additionally, a juvenile's past delinquency history plays a significant role in determining the severity of a current offense. A first-time offender might receive a different response from the justice system compared to a juvenile with multiple prior offenses, as repeat offenders may be viewed as posing a greater risk to public safety. This dual consideration of offense classification and prior conduct allows for a more tailored approach in handling juvenile cases, taking into account both the nature of the current offense and the individual background of the offender.

Other factors like parental involvement, legal representation, or age can influence various aspects of the juvenile justice process but do not directly classify the severity of offenses in the same structured way.