What is a "status offense"?

A "status offense" refers to actions that are only deemed unlawful because of the age of the individual committing them. For example, behaviors such as truancy, curfew violations, underage drinking, and running away from home are classified as status offenses. These actions are not considered criminal for adults; instead, they are specific to minors since they relate to the unique legal protections and expectations society has for youth.

This definition emphasizes that status offenses arise specifically from the minor's age, distinguishing them from general crimes that are illegal regardless of who commits them. The focus on age underscores the juvenile justice system's approach aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment, as these offenses signal a need for intervention rather than criminal culpability in the same sense as adult crimes.