As any defense attorney will tell you, the law treats children in juvenile courts differently from adults in the criminal justice system. The goal of juvenile courts is to rehabilitate children charged with juvenile delinquency—not punish them. However, courts can hold children accountable as adults when they are accused of particular crimes. If your minor child faces criminal charges as an adult, here’s what you should know about protecting their rights. 

Why Would Your Child Be Charged With Adult Crimes?

Courts decide to transfer juvenile cases to adult courts for several reasons. If your child has a long juvenile record or previous efforts at rehabilitation have not been fruitful, courts may bind the case over to the court. Older minors charged with felony offenses may be charged as adults.

What Is the Ohio Law on Transferring Minors’ Cases to Adult Court?

Defense attorneys know that Ohio law requires judges to bind over minors 16 and 17 years old to adult court when they are accused of crimes such as murder, aggravated robbery, and felonious assault. Criminal defense attorneys can request hearings before the bind over or transfer takes place. In 2017, Ohio state legislators introduced a bill to give juvenile judges the discretion to decide whether a teen should remain in juvenile court or be transferred to adult court to face criminal charges; however, the bill was unsuccessful.

What Are the Differences in Penalties?

Whether a child is charged as an adult or a minor under juvenile delinquency rules makes a big difference in the treatment they receive. Cases for crimes as an adult are matters of public record, sentences are more severe, and children are placed in adult jails. However, the child has a right to a jury trial, and an effective defense attorney and a compassionate jury can result in a not guilty verdict.  

If your child is accused of committing serious criminal acts, contact James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law. Based in Cincinnati, OH, this skilled and compassionate defense attorney has more than 10 years of experience, helping clients fight to protect their rights and the rights of their juvenile minor children against misdemeanor and felony charges. Call (513) 503-7251 to schedule an initial consultation with attorney Bogen today, or visit his website to learn more about his practice areas.