At what age do juveniles most frequently come into contact with the juvenile court system?

Juveniles most frequently come into contact with the juvenile court system at age 17. This trend can be attributed to several factors related to the developmental stage of adolescents. At this age, many individuals are navigating the transition into adulthood, which can be accompanied by behaviors that may lead to legal issues.

Research shows that the peak age for juvenile offenses often aligns with late adolescence. By age 17, many youth are experiencing increased independence and are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors that can result in legal infractions. Additionally, this age often corresponds with significant life events such as preparing for high school graduation, which may also contribute to stress and decision-making challenges that can lead to encounters with the law.

Consequently, while juveniles can come into contact with the juvenile court system at various ages, 17 stands out as a common point for such encounters due to the complexities of adolescent development during this stage.