Our office represents the Commonwealth of Kentucky in pursuing actions on behalf of and against juveniles.
Status Offenders are juveniles who are involved in conduct that would NOT be considered a crime if they were an adult. Some examples of Status Offenses include: beyond the control of parents or school, habitual truancy, or habitual runaway. These types of cases are generally heard in Family Court.
Public offenders are juveniles who are involved in conduct that would be considered a crime if they were an adult. Some examples of public offenses include: assault, abuse of a teacher, harassing communications, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, disorderly conduct, among other offenses. In extreme cases, a juvenile may be transferred to Circuit Court to be tried as an adult.
Visit djj.ky.gov for more information about the Department of Juvenile Justice.