In Utah, the juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate young offenders and help them reintegrate into society. However, there are specific circumstances where a juvenile may face charges in adult court instead. These situations typically involve serious crimes or repeat offenses, and the decision to try a juvenile as an adult can have lifelong consequences. Understanding when and why this happens is critical for families navigating the justice system.
When Can a Juvenile Be Tried in Adult Court?
There are several conditions under Utah law that determine whether a juvenile will be tried as an adult. These include both automatic transfers and discretionary decisions by the court.
First, 16 and 17-year-olds accused of murder are automatically tried in adult court. The gravity of this offense bypasses the juvenile court system entirely, reflecting the seriousness with which such cases are treated.
Similarly, a 16 or 17-year-old who has previously been sentenced to a secure facility and is later charged with another felony will also face automatic transfer to adult court. This policy aims to address repeat offenders who continue to commit serious crimes despite prior interventions.
For juveniles charged with certain violent crimes, referred to as the 10 designated felonies against a person, the case initially begins in juvenile court. However, unless the juvenile can convince the judge that there are compelling reasons to keep the case in juvenile court, they will be remanded to adult court.
Lastly, juveniles as young as 14 years old can be transferred to adult court if they are charged with a felony and the prosecutor persuades the juvenile court judge that it is in the state’s best interest. While this decision is not automatic, it allows the legal system to hold young offenders accountable for particularly serious or violent crimes.
What Are Designated Felonies Against a Person?
While the specific 10 designated felonies are not listed here, they typically include violent crimes such as:
- Aggravated assault
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated robbery
- Sexual assault
- Attempted murder
These offenses are deemed severe enough to warrant stricter legal action and potential transfer to adult court.
Why It Matters
The consequences of being tried in adult court are far more severe than those in juvenile court. Adult court focuses on punishment rather than rehabilitation, which means juveniles tried as adults face the possibility of lengthy prison sentences in adult facilities. Unlike juvenile court records, convictions in adult court are permanent and can significantly impact future opportunities, including education, employment, and housing.
For families, this transition represents a critical turning point. A decision to transfer a case to adult court can shape the trajectory of a young person’s life, making it essential to understand the process and seek strong legal representation.
How Christensen Law Can Help
If your child or a juvenile you care about is facing charges that could result in being tried in adult court, it is crucial to act quickly. At Christensen Law, we have extensive experience in juvenile defense cases in Utah. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you during this challenging time.