Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

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If a juvenile is charged with a misdemeanor that includes jail time, will they be fingerprinted?

Only if they are found guilty
Yes, they will be fingerprinted
Only for serious felonies
No, juveniles are not fingerprinted

The correct answer is: Yes, they will be fingerprinted

When a juvenile is charged with a misdemeanor that may result in incarceration, it is standard procedure for law enforcement and the judicial system to fingerprint them. This practice serves several important functions. Fingerprinting creates a permanent record of the juvenile's involvement with the criminal justice system, even if the juvenile is not ultimately convicted. It helps law enforcement agencies track recidivism and monitor individuals’ interactions with the system. Additionally, it aids in maintaining accurate records for future incidents or behaviors. The other options do not align with the established practices concerning juvenile offenders. Fingerprinting is not contingent solely upon a guilty verdict or the severity of the crime; it is a routine part of processing even for misdemeanors, affirming the importance of consistent record-keeping and accountability within the system. Therefore, juveniles charged with misdemeanors that could lead to jail time will indeed be fingerprinted.