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Criminal Law

Juvenile Criminal Cases

When are juveniles tried as adults?

Juvenile courts usually hear cases involving persons between the ages of ten and eighteen. (The upper age may be lower in some states.) If the prosecution charges an older juvenile with a particularly serious or violent offense, the district or prosecuting attorney may request that an adult court try the juvenile as an adult. In some states, juveniles fourteen or older and charged with serious acts like murder, rape or armed robbery are handled in adult courts unless the judge transfers them to juvenile court.

>>How do juvenile proceedings differ from adult criminal proceedings?
>>How are juvenile proceedings similar to adult proceedings?
>>When are juveniles tried as adults?
>>What is a parent's responsibility in juvenile cases?


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