Youthful offender status is a term that is used in both state and federal courts across the nation. The meaning can differ depending on state laws and their interpretation of the term.

Generally though a person obtaining Youthful Offender Status is a young person (the states may differ on the specified age range) who commits a crime but is granted special status entitling the youth to a more lenient punishment, such as probation or confinement in a special youth correctional facility, than would otherwise be available.

Youthful Offender treatment of a person is basically designed in the interests of justice to free the young person from the negative consequences of being convicted and punished as an adult in hopes that they will be rehabilitated.

Factors in determining if a young person shall be given a Youthful Offender status vary from state to state but typically include the crime and criminal history of the individual.

In New York State to be named as a Youthful Offender you must be at least 16 but less than 19 years old and have been charged with allegedly committing a serious crime, meaning a misdemeanor (such as a first time DWI) or felony. If the person is granted this status at sentencing their NYS records are sealed upon adjudication.

In Vermont a youth charged in an adult criminal proceeding who is between the ages of 10 and 16 at the time of the offense may seek treatment as a youthful offender. And in some cases in VT a person that is 16 or 17 may also request to be granted the youthful offender status. If the person is granted this status by a district court the case is transferred to the juvenile court.

Furthermore, in Vermont once a youth is awarded youthful offender status, he/she is given a blended sentence in juvenile court; that is, he or she is adjudicated as a delinquent and sentenced as an adult at the same time, for the same offense. The adult sentence is suspended while the youth has the opportunity to successfully complete the conditions of the juvenile disposition.

If the court finds that the youthful offender has successfully completed the terms of the juvenile disposition order and has been rehabilitated, it shall terminate the disposition order, discharge the youthful offender and dismiss the criminal case. If instead the court finds that the youthful offender has not been sufficiently rehabilitated, it may deny the motion, extend the disposition or revoke the disposition and impose the criminal sentence.

To find out what youthful offender status means in your state you can research your state's law regarding this term or contact a lawyer or courthouse.