When Can a Juvenile Be Charged as an Adult?

After a person under the age of 17 has been charged with a crime, it is often assumed that the criminal penalties faced will not be serious. It is possible, however, for juvenile offenders to be sentenced as adults, and persons under the age of 17 can face the same severe penalties including life in prison. Grabel & Associates is a highly acclaimed Michigan defense law firm with extensive experience fighting for the rights of juvenile clients. We care about your freedom and future and will do everything we can to protect you from adult sentencing.

Michigan Juvenile Defense Lawyers Avoid Sentencing as an Adult in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Throughout Michigan

If you are under the age of 18 and have been accused of a serious crime, or if your juvenile child has been charged with a crime, contact our Michigan defense firm right away. Our experienced juvenile defense lawyers have worked in complex cases involving murder, theft, gang violence, drugs, sex crimes, and more, and understand how the details of your unique case will affect your legal options as well as possible outcomes. Contact Grabel & Associates right away for aggressive juvenile defense, and work to protect your rights from aggressive police and prosecutors who will be trying to secure a harsh sentence.

Adult Sentencing for Juveniles in Michigan

In Michigan juvenile crime cases, a number of details are considered when deciding which court a case will be heard in. The age of the offender is very important, and while Michigan’s tough laws make it possible for even very young offenders to be sentenced as adults, offenders over the age of 14 are most likely to face adult sentencing. In addition, the offense committed will be considered, and if the offense would be a felony if committed by an adult, sentencing in adult court is possible. Specific details of the offense, the offender’s history and probability of reoffending, and other aspects of the case will also be considered.

Grabel & Associates knows what the court will consider when determining whether or not to waive jurisdiction and allow adult sentencing, and we will fight to protect you from excessive penalties. Contact our firm right away, as your case could be time sensitive. Our Michigan juvenile defense lawyers are available 24/7 to begin working in your case.

Juvenile Offenders Sentenced as Adults in Michigan

According to the Michigan Probate Code, if a juvenile 14 years of age or older is accused of an act that if committed by an adult would be a felony, the juvenile court judge may waive jurisdiction and allow the offender to be tried in the court that would normally have criminal jurisdiction for the offense. Additionally, Michigan’s Juvenile Waiver Law of 1997 lowered the age that a juvenile can be sentenced as an adult for a violent crime, and children as young as 11 have been tried as adults for murder because of this law.

Past criminal offenses, psychological history, unique case details, and other factors can all play a role in the juvenile court’s decision, and our attorneys know the questions that need to be raised and evidence that must be reviewed in order to ensure you are protected throughout every stage of your case.

Our Approach to Juvenile Crime in MI

The attorneys at Grabel & Associates are committed to defending Michigan’s accused, and we understand the stress that potential adult sentencing can put on a juvenile offender. Whether you have been charged or you have a child who has been accused of a crime, contact our team immediately for aggressive defense. Our lawyers know how to defend juveniles in Michigan who have been charged with murder and homicide related charges, as well as violent crime, sex crime, drug crime, and other charges. Work with our team to benefit from years of experience in criminal defense, and know that your rights will be protected throughout investigation and potential trial.

Our lawyers will review every detail of your case, and help you understand the legal issues affecting your potential outcome. Contact us now for a free initial case consultation.

Contact Scott Grabel for Aggressive Criminal Defense

Call 1-800-342-7896 now for a free initial case consultation, or contact our firm online. No matter what juvenile crime charge you face, you need to work quickly to protect against harsh adult sentencing. Our lawyers will do everything they can to protect you from long lasting, life-changing punishment.