Juvenile Investigations

Responsibilities

Juvenile officers are responsible for addressing the complex issues of juvenile crime and victimization. Highly-trained investigators are assigned to work with families, schools, social service agencies, and courts to protect and assist our youth.

• According to Michigan law, a juvenile is any individual who has not reached the age of 17.
• A status offense is any violation of a law passed by the State or local legislative body which would not be a crime if committed by an adult and which is specifically applicable to youth because of their age status. Status offenses include curfew violations, runaways, home incorrigibility, school truancy, minors in possession of alcohol, minors operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and the use or possession of tobacco products.
• Juvenile matters are handled in the Probate Court of the County in which the juvenile resides. In Wayne County, juvenile matters are heard by the Wayne County Probate Court/Wayne County Circuit Court - Family Division. The Family Division structure allows one Family Division Judge to hear all matters related to a family.

Your Child and the Law

It’s important that both parents and youth be aware of the consequences connected with violations of the law. This information outlines law violations that often bring young people into contact with the police and the court system.

Although involvement with the criminal justice system may be stressful and difficult, early intervention is in everyone’s best interest. Therefore, we ask that you report all violations of the law. Please take a few moments and review this information. We encourage you to discuss these matters with your family.

The Taylor Police Department strives to create a safe, substance abuse free environment within which our youth may achieve their potential.

Children Under 17 Years

• Considered a minor
• Under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court; the court’s purpose is to help young people through applied guidance and control
• Depending on the offense and past delinquency record, police and prosecutors make a determination whether to petition the court or apply the Diversion Act, allowing the juvenile to be placed in counseling and community service programs
• Taylor Police Department will notify parents if their child is arrested

Juveniles May Be Treated as Adults

• Juveniles as young as 14 years of age may be tried as an adult and given an adult sentence for serious crimes like:
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Crimes that inflict serious injury
• Arson
• Possession of 650 grams of narcotics
• Other major crimes

17 Years or Older

• Considered an adult
• Juvenile procedures do not apply
• Taylor Police may notify parents when a 17 year old child is arrested

Alcohol

• It is unlawful for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol
• It is unlawful to provide alcohol to a minor, and a person may be sued for the resulting actions of the minor
• Zero tolerance for drivers under 21 years of age; the blood alcohol content (BAC) cannot exceed .02%

Alcohol or Drugs at Social Gatherings

• It is unlawful to host or allow a social gathering where illegal drugs are present or alcohol is in use by anyone under 21 years of age
• Parents may face criminal and civil liability, even if not present
• City ordinance allows officers to enforce excessive noise and disorderly behavior violations

Controlled Substance

• It is unlawful to possess, in any shape or form, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, heroin, etc., or any drug not prescribed by a licensed physician
• Added penalties apply if the offense occurs within 500 feet of a school or park
• Vehicles and property may be forfeited
• Minors may face driver license suspension even if a vehicle was not involved

Curfew

• Under 12 years of age: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Under 16 years of age: Midnight to 6 a.m.
• Minors are not allowed on public streets or in public places such as parks during curfew hours
• Exceptions include: 1) when the minor is accompanied by a parent or other family member who is at least 18 years of age; 2) when coming from a school, church, or civic function attended with parental permission (must be prepared to prove); or, 3) in the course of employment
• The minor can be petitioned to juvenile court for violating curfew

Explosives and Firearms

• A firearm includes any weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be propelled by using explosives, gas, or air as a means of propulsion
• It is unlawful to manufacture, possess, provide, or detonate any type of homemade or acquired explosive device, or make a threat to do so
• It is unlawful to discharge any firearm, air rifle, air pistol, or bow and arrow in the city except when lawfully acting in defense of persons or property

False Identification

• A person under 21 years of age using, altering, or providing false identification for use in purchasing alcoholic beverages is guilty of a misdemeanor
• Driver license will be suspended

Fighting / Assault

• An assault is a verbal or physical threat or attempt to inflict offensive physical contact or bodily harm
• A battery is a forceful or violent contact with another, without that person’s consent
• It is unlawful to engage in any disturbance, fight, or quarrel in a public place
• Use of a weapon and/or the infliction of serious injury can result in the minor being tried as an adult

Graduated Driver Licensing

• Level 1 License - must be at least age 14 years, 9 months
  • Allowed to operate a motor vehicle only when accompanied by a licensed parent/legal guardian or a licensed driver over age 21 designated by the parent or legal guardian
• Level 2 License - must be at least age 16
  • Allowed to drive without supervision except from midnight to 5 a.m.
  • Driving is only permitted from midnight to 5 a.m. to and from employment or with a parent, legal guardian or designated licensed driver over 21
• Level 3 License - must be at least age 17
  • Full driving privileges with no restrictions