When Can a Juvenile Be Charged as an Adult in Detroit?

In most cases, offenders aged 16 and under will not face sentencing in adult court, but rather will have their cases heard in juvenile court, which functions as a part of the family court system in Detroit and statewide. In rare cases, however, juvenile cases can be transferred to regular adult court. In these cases, it is likely that the offense is exceptionally serious, or that the alleged offender has prior convictions on record, or both. Grabel & Associates is a firm committed to defending the futures of juvenile clients no matter what court their cases are heard in. We represent clients in juvenile court and adult court, and our committed attorneys will do whatever it takes to protect you or your loved one after a juvenile crime charge in Detroit. If you or your child is facing allegations connected to drug crime, sex offenses, theft and property crime, assault and violent crime, weapons charges, automobile offenses, or any other criminal offense, contact our team by phone or online now. Grabel & Associates is available 24/7 to provide free confidential case consultations to anyone facing a criminal investigation or charge in Detroit.

Contact Scott Grabel or another member of our talented team now to learn more about when a juvenile can be charged as an adult in Detroit, as well as how you can protect yourself against adult court sentencing if you are under the age of 17 and have been charged with a criminal offense. Our lawyers are always ready to begin guiding clients through the defense process, and with over a decade of experience, we know what it takes to win in even the most difficult cases. As soon as you get in touch with a member of our team, we will begin answering any questions you might have about your unique case, and guiding you through the next steps you need to take if facing a juvenile delinquency action in Detroit. Contact us now to get in touch with our team and start the criminal defense process.

Rules for Sentencing a Juvenile as an Adult in Detroit

Technically, any juvenile can be sentenced as an adult, though the age of the offender is definitely a consideration in cases considering a waiver to adult court. Offenders between the ages of 14 and 16 are most likely to face adult sentencing, though historically younger offenders have been sentenced as adults in the most serious cases, usually those involving homicide of some kind. The Juvenile Waiver Law of 1997 has allowed for offenders as young as 11 to face the same penalties that adults would in murder cases.

In order to face sentencing as an adult, the offense must correlate to a felony in adult court, not a misdemeanor. If the offender will not be charged with a felony offense, the case cannot be waived to adult court. This juvenile crime legal procedure is outlined in the Michigan Probate Code. There are other considerations in play too, such as prior convictions, psychological history and diagnoses, and the unique details of the case. Particularly heinous acts by sane juveniles who show no remorse can definitely be waived to adult court, and jail time, fines, and a criminal record will be on the line.

It is critical to work with a Detroit juvenile defense lawyer who not only knows that there is a risk a juvenile could be sentenced as an adult in felony cases, but who has experience protecting alleged offenders in even the toughest of Detroit’s trial courts. Our experienced team will work with you or your loved one to fight for a great case result, no matter what courtroom the case is heard in.

Our Approach to Juvenile Criminal Defense in Detroit, MI

At Grabel & Associates, our attorneys are dedicated to defending the rights of the accused. We treat every case as if it were our own futures on the line, and take juvenile cases especially seriously. Let us work with you to develop a unique defense strategy, and guide you through the steps you need to take in order to achieve a beneficial result. Our proven results show why we are trusted by clients statewide in even the toughest of cases, and we look forward to applying our tested strategies to your unique case.

Contact Grabel & Associates for 24/7 Adult Court Juvenile Crime Defense

If you are a juvenile facing possible sentencing in adult court, or if you are a parent or guardian of a juvenile who could be sentenced as an adult, call 1-800-342-7896 now for a free confidential consultation. You can also contact us online to set up a case analysis. Don’t speak to police before contacting a lawyer, we are always ready to begin protecting you or your loved one.