When is a Juvenile Charged as an Adult in New Jersey?
If your child has been charged with a crime in New Jersey, it is crucial that you do what is necessary to have the case tried in juvenile court. Juvenile court cases are built around the concept of rehabilitation as opposed to punishment and incarceration. Resulting penalties typically include community service or juvenile detention. When your child is treated as an adult, a conviction could result in jail or prison time and, in some cases, media attention.
There are many factors that could affect where a case is heard including:
- Age of the alleged offender - Defendants closer to 18 years of age are more likely to face adult charges.
- Criminal history of the defendant - Individuals with a record of similar offenses may face harsher penalties.
- Nature of the crime - The prosecution will likely charge a teenager who has committed a juvenile violent crime such as sexual assault or robbery as an adult.
The family of a juvenile who has been arrested would be well advised to call a skilled defense attorney before discussing the case with authorities. When a defense attorney is involved early on in the process, there is a greater chance that the case will remain in juvenile court. There is also the possibility that a juvenile crime defense attorney can negotiate a plea before the case even goes before a judge
The experienced New Jersey juvenile crime defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience protecting the future of young people. Our lawyers know how to keep a case in juvenile court and how to fight for your child's rights. For more information about your options, please contact us at (609) 240-0040. We offer free and confidential consultations.
