Caregivers who believe a child or youth may be considering becoming involved with a gang or contemplating illegal behavior should inform him or her of the possible consequences. Many children and youths are unaware of the scope of the law holding them accountable for their actions, even as juveniles. Children and youth need to be aware that there are potentially life-defining consequences of any illegal action.

Generally, individuals under 17 years old who are charged with a crime in Illinois are tried in Juvenile Court (405 ILCS 405/5-3 (1). However, juveniles who commit certain serious crimes will be tried in adult criminal court with the same range of penalties that are available for adults. All juveniles who are tried and convicted as adults are incarcerated separately from adult prisoners until they are sent to an adult prison at some point between their 17^th and 21^st birthdays.

Convictions in adult criminal court become part of a juvenile’s permanent record.