MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If you witness a 14-year-old walking alone past curfew hours, what should you do?

1. Detain the juvenile for Misdemeanor

2. Issue a ticket for a civil infraction and release

3. Contact the parents to notify them of the violation

4. Take the juvenile to the police station

The correct answer is: Issue a ticket for a civil infraction and release

Issuing a ticket for a civil infraction and then releasing the juvenile is appropriate in this situation because it allows for a response that acknowledges the violation without resorting to punitive measures. Many jurisdictions have specific laws regarding curfew violations for minors that classify them as civil infractions rather than criminal offenses. This means that the minor can be ticketed without being formally arrested or detained, which aligns with appropriate juvenile justice practices aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment. This approach also ensures that the situation is documented and addressed, while recognizing the fact that the juvenile is still a minor and should not be treated in the same manner as an adult. By issuing a ticket, the law enforcement officer can help the juvenile understand the importance of adhering to curfew laws without exposing them to the more serious consequences that could result from a misdemeanor charge or detention. In many cases, contacting the parents would also be a responsible action, but the issuance of a ticket provides a clear record of the incident and maintains a level of accountability for the juvenile without escalating the situation unnecessarily. Other options, such as detention or taking the juvenile to the police station, would likely be deemed more severe and typically are not warranted for mere curfew violations.