Princeton Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorneys
Juvenile Charged as an Adult
If there's one thing that young people long for, it's to have others treat them as adults. Teens look forward to getting their driver's license, having the freedom to choose how they will spend their time and one day supporting themselves. But when facing NJ juvenile criminal charges, having the court system view a teenager as an adult is definitely a negative thing. Statistics gathered between 1990 and 1994 about juvenile felony defendants in the United States showed the following:
- Of the juveniles tried in adult criminal court for a felony offense, the legal system convicted 59 percent of defendants; 52 percent had to spend time in prison.
- While roughly one-third of juveniles sentenced as adults received prison sentences of four years or less, the average sentence was nine years. In cases where the courts convicted a juvenile of a violent crime, the average sentence was close to 11 years.
- Defendants in juvenile court cases had a better chance of release prior to their court appearances than defendants ordered to appear in adult criminal court.
- Of minor defendants declared delinquent by juvenile courts, about 40 percent went to a residential facility. Approximately 50 percent received probation.
There are several reasons why a judge might agree to send a case involving a juvenile defendant to adult criminal court. The seriousness of the crime plays an important part. For example, property offenses like burglary or theft, are more likely to go to juvenile courts than violent crimes in NJ, such as robbery or murder. Juvenile defendants over the age of 16 and repeat offenders are more likely to appear in adult criminal court.
The tougher sentencing juvenile offenders typically receive when they appear in adult courts is not the only concern. Media coverage in cases involving adult defendants is often more intense. Because the minor does not receive the protections that go along with appearing in the juvenile court system, it's possible that the general public will receive information about the alleged offenses. Serious criminal allegations against a juvenile, even if courts ultimately acquit the individual, can destroy a reputation and a future in an instant.
The best course of action is often to try to keep the case in juvenile court. Adolescents tried as an adult can end up spending years behind bars and lose the privacy enjoyed by defendants classified as juveniles. The New Jersey juvenile crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein will work to ensure minor defendants do not have to appear in the adult court system if at all possible. We will also make efforts to have the defendant's criminal record sealed to make expungement a possibility in the future. Regardless of whether the defendant appears in an adult or juvenile court, we will aggressively fight the charges in an effort to obtain a reduced sentence or an acquittal. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to find out how we can help you.