Juvenile crime in Rhode Island refers to criminal offenses committed by persons under 18 years of age, prosecuted in Rhode Island Family Court Juvenile Division rather than adult court. The juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation over punishment, with dispositions including counseling, community service, probation, and (in serious cases) commitment to the Rhode Island Training School. Common juvenile charges include underage drinking, possession of marijuana, theft, vandalism, simple assault, and traffic offenses. Serious felonies (murder, sexual assault, certain violent crimes) committed by juveniles 16 and older can be transferred to adult court for prosecution with adult penalties. Parents have the right to be present during interrogation.
