Which of the following is an example of a status offender?

• A. Violations of standards of student conduct
• B. ABC code applicable to minors only
• C. Running away from home
• D. Traffic offense

Answer: (C)

Status offenses are actions that are illegal only because the person is a minor. Running away from home fits this, because an adult can leave home legally, but a minor leaving home is treated as an offense to regulate youths and often brings juvenile services into play rather than adult criminal courts.

The other options don’t illustrate a status offense. Violations of standards of student conduct are usually handled by schools and aren’t crimes that hinge on being underage. A traffic offense is generally illegal for anyone, regardless of age. An ABC code applicable to minors only is a policy or rule, not a behavior defined as a crime strictly because of youth.