The age at which a juvenile can be charged as an adult varies significantly depending on the state and the specific circumstances of the crime. While 18 is generally considered the civil age of majority, the legal age for transferring a juvenile case to adult court can be much younger, with some states permitting this process for individuals as young as 14.
Understanding Juvenile Transfer to Adult Court
Charging a juvenile as an adult, often referred to as "waiver" or "transfer," means that their case is moved from the juvenile justice system to the adult criminal court system. This decision has profound implications, as adult courts carry harsher penalties, including longer sentences, incarceration in adult facilities, and a permanent criminal record. The criteria for such transfers typically involve a combination of factors, including the juvenile's age, the severity of the alleged offense, and their prior criminal history.State-Specific Ages for Juvenile Transfer
The minimum age at which a juvenile's case can be transferred to adult court is determined by individual state laws. For instance, based on state guidelines:| State | Age Juvenile Case Can Be Transferred to Adult Court |
|---|---|
| California | 16 |
| Colorado | 15 |
| Connecticut | 15 |
| Delaware | 14 |
As illustrated, Delaware allows for juvenile cases to be transferred to adult court at a younger age compared to California, Colorado, or Connecticut. It's important to note that these are the minimum ages at which a transfer can occur, not necessarily that all juveniles reaching this age for a crime will be transferred. The final decision often rests with a judge, prosecutor, or is mandated by certain severe offenses, depending on the state's specific statutes.
Juvenile Justice
