When Can a Juvenile Be Charged as an Adult in Kalamazoo

In most criminal cases involving a person under the age of 17, the juvenile court system will handle the trial and sentencing. It is possible for the case to be waived up to adult court, however, especially in particularly serious cases. If a juvenile is waived to adult court, much more serious penalties will be on the line, including possible jail time and hefty fines, as well as a criminal record. A criminal conviction can be devastating, and for juveniles with their entire futures on the line, this is even truer. It is crucial that you work with a skilled trial attorney who knows what it takes to prevent adult court waivers and protect clients accused of criminal offenses. Our team knows what it takes to win tough cases, and is prepared to put in the work to get you a great result. Contact our firm now to learn more about our proven approach to juvenile defense in Kalamazoo and let our trial attorneys start walking you through the steps you need to take to avoid adult court conviction.

As soon as you or your loved one is accused of a juvenile crime offense, our attorneys are ready to help. In Kalamazoo, there are few specifics concerning whose cases can be waived to adult court, though case law establishes that it is only really common in violent crime cases, such as homicide cases. Our attorneys know how to represent clients in any Kalamazoo court, and have the skill and experience needed to get you the results you deserve. Under the direction of trial lawyer Scott Grabel, who has over 15 years of experience fighting for the rights of clients statewide, our team will do whatever it takes to help you get a favorable outcome in your case.

Call 1-800-342-7896 right now or contact our team online to learn more about the steps you need to take if you want to be successful in your case. We are available 24/7 to start protecting you.

Michigan Probate Code Guidelines and the Juvenile Waiver Law

Juvenile court waivers are traditionally governed by the probate code, specifically Section 712A.4. Under this section, the court can waive any case involving a juvenile 14 years of age or older, provided the offense would be a felony if committed by an adult. The court is required to give notice before conducting a hearing on the motion to waive the case up to adult court, and it is required that there is probable cause to believe an offense has been committed. Additionally, the court must weigh the interests of the juvenile and the public in determining whether or not to approve a waiver.

The court is not bound by the age limit proscribed by the Probate Code, however. The Juvenile Waiver Law of 1997 has allowed for younger defendants to be sentenced as adults, and since its adoption, defendants as young as 11 have been tried in criminal courts. Criminal history, psychological evaluation, the specifics of the case, and the public interest will largely determine where a case is heard, and our lawyers know how to evaluate these elements and craft a defense based on your unique case goals. Contact our trial team right away and learn more about when a juvenile can be charged as an adult in Kalamazoo, and how our lawyers can help protect you against the serious implications of a juvenile court waiver. Connect with a member of our team immediately through our toll free hotline or online, and start fighting for a beneficial case result.

At Grabel & Associates, our attorneys are committed to providing premier defense to those who have been wrongly accused of a crime, or who are facing excessive penalties after an alleged offense. Our trial lawyers know what it takes to get juvenile clients the results they deserve, and we know that a punitive criminal sentence should not even be on the table, which is why we will do whatever we can to ensure your case stays in the juvenile court system. If, however, your case is already headed for adult court, our lawyers have what it takes to protect you. For over 15 years we have been defending clients accused of serious Kalamazoo offenses in both juvenile and adult courts, and we are ready to protect you no matter where your case is heard.

Contact Grabel & Associates for 24/7 Defense in Kalamazoo

Let our team begin defending your rights and protecting your freedom. Call 1-800-342-7896 or contact us online right away to begin. We will provide you with a confidential consultation at no cost and let you know what you should do next as you defend against criminal allegations.