Investigation discontinued: attempted theft

In juvenile proceedings the court may discontinue the case under section 47 JGG where an educational measure has already been carried out or set in motion and a conviction does not appear necessary. The prosecution must consent. Section 45 JGG allows the prosecution itself to refrain from pursuing the matter at an earlier stage.

Such a discontinuation is not a conviction. It is not entered as a previous conviction in the Führungszeugnis, the certificate of conduct, but only noted in the educational register.

The Juvenile Courts Act applies to young people aged 14 to 17 and, under the conditions of section 105 JGG, also to young adults up to the age of 20. The guiding idea is education rather than retribution. The Act therefore provides for educational measures, disciplinary measures and only as a last resort a juvenile sentence.

The juvenile court assistance service accompanies the proceedings, reports on the young person's circumstances and comments on suitable measures. Hearings are generally not held in public. Those with parental responsibility take part in the proceedings.

A monetary condition is not a fine. It is a condition imposed instead of a penalty, often as a payment to a charitable organisation. If the condition is met, the discontinuation stands.

Because no conviction is handed down, no previous conviction is recorded. This is general information on criminal proceedings and does not replace advice on an individual case.