Behind bars on a technicality

Of the 681 juveniles locked up in 2017 through Oct. 15 for probation violations, more than 42 percent were detained for running away from their court-ordered placement. Here is the breakdown in the number of juveniles detained, why and for how long, not including juveniles with determinate sentences for more serious crimes that could land them in adult prison. 252 Warrant issued for running away, average stay of 28 days. 95 Failing a drug test, average stay 22 days. 83 Violation of the law, average stay 21 days. 71 Failing to attend/participate in programs, average stay 17 days. 42 Failing to attend all classes, average length of stay 21 days. 38 Left placement (running away), average stay of 21 days. 33 Failure to follow curfew rules, average stay 17 days. 22 Failing to report to juvenile probation officer or to report contact information, average stay of 15 days. 20 Violation of probation special rules, average stay 30 days. 8 Warrant for violation of the law, average stay 27 days. 5 Warrant issued for failing to report to probation officer, average stay 22 days. 4 Warrant for failure to attend/participate in programs, average stay 26 days. 4 Left county without permission, average stay 9 days. 2 Violation of court-ordered restitution, average stay 19 days. 2 Warrant for failure to follow curfew rules, average stay 17 days. Source: Harris County Juvenile Probation Department