Criminal attorney, are minors also subject to criminal punishment?

Hello. This is a criminal attorney at Daeryun Law LLC.

Even in the case of a minor, whether criminal punishment applies varies depending on age.

Those from 18 up to 19 years of age can, like adults, be subject to imprisonment, imprisonment without labor, or a fine under the Criminal Act.

Those from 14 up to 17 years of age can also be subject to criminal punishment under the Criminal Act and may additionally receive protective dispositions such as a community service order.

However, where a minor has committed a crime that would carry the death penalty or life imprisonment for an adult, the sentence is limited to a maximum of 15 years instead of the death penalty or life imprisonment.

On the other hand, those from 10 up to 13 years of age receive, not imprisonment, imprisonment without labor, or a fine under the Criminal Act, but protective dispositions under the Juvenile Act, that is, measures such as confinement in a juvenile reformatory.

Because the details may vary depending on your nephew's exact age and the content of the case, it is safer to confirm the specific situation and then consult a criminal attorney.

Because the outcome can vary greatly depending on how the initial response is handled, we recommend that you obtain the assistance of a criminal attorney at an early date.