Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a valid reason for taking a juvenile into custody?

1. The juvenile is missing school

2. They are charged with any felony crime

3. They are seen in public after dark

4. They have not completed community service

The correct answer is: They are charged with any felony crime

Taking a juvenile into custody often involves considerations of the nature of their actions and circumstances. In this case, being charged with any felony crime is a valid reason for taking a juvenile into custody because felony charges typically reflect serious violations of the law that warrant immediate legal intervention. When a juvenile is accused of committing a felony, law enforcement is generally required to take them into custody to ensure public safety, facilitate the legal process, and provide appropriate interventions based on the severity of the crime. The other scenarios presented do not inherently justify taking a juvenile into custody in the same way. Missing school, being seen in public after dark, and failing to complete community service may indicate behavioral concerns or legal issues, but they do not typically involve a crime serious enough to warrant custodial detention on their own. Instead, these situations often lead to other interventions, such as school accountability measures or social services, rather than direct law enforcement action. Therefore, the action of taking a juvenile into custody specifically because they are charged with a felony reflects the necessary legal response to a significant criminal act.