Which definition best describes a status offender?

• A. A child who is accused, adjudicated, or convicted for conduct that would not, under state law, be a crime if committed by an adult.
• B. A child who commits a crime that would be a crime if committed by an adult.
• C. A minor who is convicted of a felony.
• D. A child placed in detention for any offense.

Answer: (A)

Status offenses are actions that aren’t crimes for adults but are illegal because of being a minor. A status offender is a child who is accused, adjudicated, or convicted for conduct that would not be a crime if committed by an adult. This captures the age-based nature of the offense, such as truancy, running away, or curfew violations—things that adults wouldn’t face charges for. The other descriptions describe acts that would still be crimes for adults, or focus on felonies or detention regardless of the specific status-based restriction, which isn’t what defines a status offense.