Status Offense

A status offense is a type of behavior that is considered illegal only because of a person's age. These offenses are not crimes for adults and often include actions like skipping school, running away from home, or underage drinking. The legal system typically views these behaviors as indications that a young person may need guidance or support rather than punishment. The idea is to address the underlying issues rather than treating these offenses like serious crimes, as they are often linked to the challenges of adolescence.