Two teenagers are facing charges for juvenile crimes in Maryland. The juvenile crimes stem from an incident where they supposedly set fire to a property. The two teenagers are officially charged with arson, burglary and other arson-related charges. The juvenile criminal system will handle this case, and the boys have been released to the custody and authority of their parents.
While it is not clear what items were supposedly burglarized from the home, the fire that was started on the property originated in utility and storage areas. At the time of the arson incident, no one was living in the home. After an investigation, Maryland law enforcement believe that the fire caused approximately $6,000 in damages.
Juvenile charges are different from criminal charges that could be levied against an adult. Typically, juvenile crimes will go through an entirely separate system. It is possible for juveniles to be tried as an adult for particularly serious cases, but it must be approved by a judge for a young person to face adult charges. It is possible that juvenile charges could carry consequences such as jail time, fines and probation.
While these two young men are facing juvenile crimes charges, it should be noted that they have not yet been convicted. Depending on the particular circumstances of a case and their individual criminal history, they may be able to secure lesser fines and penalties. Whether they decide to fight the charges or work on a plea deal will be based upon a careful examination of all possible outcomes of this case. In the meantime, they are both considered innocent in the eyes of the law.
Source: myeasternshoremd.com, "Two teens charged with arson in Ridgely", , April 8, 2014