Juvenile Crimes in Minnesota: How They Differ From Adult Charges
By Sullivan Rice
When a young person is charged with a crime, it can feel like everything is at risk—their future, their freedom, and their chance to grow beyond a mistake. But in Minnesota, juvenile crimes are handled differently than adult cases, and that difference matters.
At Jack Rice Defense, we’ve worked with countless families navigating the juvenile justice system. Here’s what you need to know—and why a strong defense still matters, even for minors.
1. The Goal of Juvenile Court Is Rehabilitation, Not Punishment
Unlike adult court, the primary goal of juvenile court in Minnesota is to rehabilitate rather than punish. That means the system is more focused on helping a young person get back on track than simply locking them up.
Judges often consider:
The minor’s age
Prior record (if any)
Home environment
Willingness to participate in counseling, school, or treatment
However, this doesn’t mean the system is soft—it still has serious consequences, especially for more severe offenses.
2. Juvenile Records Are Not Always Automatically Sealed
A common myth is that juvenile records “disappear” when a teen turns 18. Not necessarily.
In Minnesota, juvenile records can be accessed by certain agencies and sometimes even employers, schools, or landlords—especially if the offense was serious (like a felony).
That’s why expungement is sometimes necessary to protect a young person’s future, and why it’s critical to minimize charges whenever possible.
3. Juvenile Proceedings Are Private—But Not Always
Most juvenile court hearings are closed to the public to protect the minor's privacy. However, for serious felony-level offenses (especially those involving violence), Minnesota law may allow the court proceedings to be open, and the juvenile’s name and charges to be made public.
This means that for some cases, the social and reputational impact can still be significant.
4. Some Juveniles Can Be Tried as Adults
In certain situations, a juvenile in Minnesota can be certified to stand trial as an adult. This typically happens when:
The juvenile is 16 or older, and
The charge is serious, like murder, sexual assault, or armed robbery
The court believes adult prosecution is more appropriate
If certified, the child can face adult penalties—including long prison sentences.
That’s why it’s critical to fight against adult certification early in the case.
5. Common Juvenile Offenses in Minnesota
Some of the most frequent charges minors face include:
Theft or shoplifting
Underage drinking or drug possession
Assault or fighting at school
Vandalism or property damage
Traffic violations (especially for drivers under 18)
Sex-related offenses, including sexting
Even when charges seem “minor,” they can have lasting consequences on a young person’s record, education, and career.
6. The Role of Parents and Guardians Is Critical
In juvenile court, the minor is the defendant—but parents play a major role. Courts often expect guardians to:
Ensure the child attends all court dates
Participate in probation, treatment, or counseling sessions
Help monitor behavior and compliance with court orders
At Jack Rice Defense, we work closely with families to make sure everyone understands the process and expectations from beginning to end.
Jack Rice Defense: Fighting for Your Child’s Future
Every young person makes mistakes—but not every mistake should define their future. At Jack Rice Defense, we bring decades of experience to the table, and we fight with compassion, strategy, and clarity for every child we represent.
Whether your son or daughter is facing a minor charge or something more serious, we’ll work to protect their record, their rights, and their future.
📞 If your child has been charged with a crime in Minnesota, contact Jack Rice Defense today.
Let us help you protect what matters most—your child’s future.
