When Can a Minor Be Tried as an Adult?
While most juvenile offenders in Harrisburg (those who are under the age of 18) will have their cases handled by the juvenile court system, some will have their cases filed in adult court. For example, if a child is over the age of 15 and used a deadly weapon in the commissioning of a certain type of offense, he or she will be tried as an adult.
These offenses include:
- Rape
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
- Aggravated assault
- Kidnapping
- Grand theft auto
- Aggravated sexual offenses
In cases where the minor offender did not use a deadly weapon but has a previous criminal record, any of the above offenses will also be directly filed to the adult court. However, juvenile defense lawyers are sometimes able to get these cases removed to juvenile court. The judge will consider numerous factors in making a decision, including the age of the offender, their maturity and mental capacity, the sophistication of the crime, public safety, and the potential benefit of the minor going through the juvenile system.
Contact Our Cumberland County Juvenile Crime Attorneys
If your child is in trouble with the law, contact the our Harrisburg juvenile attorney at Law Offices of Patrick F. Lauer right away. No matter the charges your child is facing, we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome.
Call (717) 775-6110 or contact us online to begin with a free consultation. We can help you understand the charges brought against your child and how to mount the strongest possible defense.