Chapter 3 PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY

Felony Offenses in WA State Violent Crimes Murder, sex offenses, robbery & aggravated assault Property Crimes Burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft Juvenile crime rates are higher than adults for property crimes Drug Crimes Controlled-substance offenses

Costs for Criminal Justice System in Washington Victims of crime incur pain, suffering, and out- of-pocket costs Taxpayers fund criminal justice system that includes police, criminal courts, prosecutors, public defenders, local juvenile detention facilities and probation, local adult jails and probations, and state juvenile and adult institutions, and community programs In 1997 cost was average $885 per household

WA Crime Rates 2000 Population – 5,894,121 (15 th highest) Violent - 21,788 (26 th highest) Property – 279,144 (6 th highest) Murder – 196 (31 st highest) Forcible Rape – 2,737 (5 th highest) Robbery – 5,812 (25 th highest) Aggravated assault – 13,043 (29 th highest) Burglary – 53,476 (9 th highest) Larceny-Theft – 190,650 (6 th highest) Vehicle theft – 35,018 (3rd highest)

COMMON OFFENSES Addiction – when a person cannot function normally without regularly consuming drugs or alcohol

B. Alcohol Abuse 1.Merchant/bartender’s responsibility a.Can be jailed or fined if sell to underage b.Can lose license c.Can be held liable for injuries if serve intoxicated person 2.Drinking & Driving – Severe penalties 3.Punishment for minors – juvenile delinquency & placed on probation 4.Refusal of sobriety test – driving on roads gives permission to be tested

C. Drug Abuse Definition – Chemicals that alter the mind, can lead to addiction Federal Controlled Substances Act – classifies drugs into 5 groups & sets penalties for each group Association with Drugs – even if don’t do drugs can be prosecuted for associating with those who do

D. Domestic Violence 1.Definition – physical or mental abuse by a family member 2.Child Abuse Reporting Requirements Teachers, physicians, nurses and others must report cases of suspected abuse.

II. HARM TO PROPERTY A. Vandalism/Malicious Mischief 1.Definition – willful or malicious causing of damage to property. 2.Felony – when damage is extensive 3.Misdemeanor when not extensive 4.Parental liability laws – parents often must pay; some states limit the amount

B. Shoplifting Definition – stealing goods from a store Affects us – increases retail prices 2 to 3 percent Prima Facie Evidence – if hide or conceal item offered for sale Rights of store owners – right to detain a person in a reasonable manner if grounds exist to suspect shoplifter.

C. Motor Vehicle Violations Minor’s responsibilities when law is broken – privilege to drive not a right; can suspend or take away license Insurance problems/rates for minors – high rates and companies can refuse to give insurance.

Other Problems Gangs and Crime Often involved with illegal activities Drug trafficking, firearm sales, auto theft, prostitution = increased gang violence Crimes on high school and college campuses Violent and property crime Rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault

III. DELINQUENT AND UNRULY CHILDREN Significance of being a minor Delinquent child – minor < 18 who committed an act that would be a crime if it was committed by an adult Unruly child – minor who has done something that would not be a crime if done by an adult.

MINORS Goal of rehabilitation – restore offender to useful life Minors treated as adults when commit a serious crime 1967 Supreme Court ruling – minors given same rights as adults in court