Who does the CCP define as "juvenile offenders"?

The Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) defines "juvenile offenders" specifically as individuals under the age of 18 who commit criminal acts. This definition is significant because it establishes a clear legal distinction regarding the age of accountability, reflecting the understanding that individuals below this age may have different emotional, cognitive, and social maturity levels compared to adults.

This classification is important in legal proceedings, as it typically results in different treatment and processes compared to adult offenders. Juveniles are often eligible for rehabilitation programs and are handled within juvenile justice systems, which focus more on guidance and reform rather than punishment.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established legal definition and the intent behind the juvenile justice system. Individuals over 18 are considered adults and do not fall under the juvenile definitions. Those charged with misdemeanors can be of any age, and individuals convicted of any crime, again, cross the age threshold that separates juveniles from adults in legal terms. Thus, the definition embraces a focus on the age of the individual and the nature of their actions, which is foundational for addressing issues related to juvenile justice.