In Las Vegas, sometimes, young people who are under the age of 18 can be tried as adults in court. This might seem unclear, but this blog post will help you understand it better.
Trying Juveniles as Adults in Las Vegas: An Easy-to-Understand Guide
Why Would a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult?
When someone under 18 commits a crime, they usually go to a special court for juveniles. But if the crime is grave, such as murder, the young person might be tried in an adult court. This is because the punishment in a juvenile court might not be enough.
How Does the Process Work?
The decision to try a juvenile as an adult is not taken lightly. First, a judge has to decide if the case should move to adult court. The judge will look at things like how serious the crime was, the young person’s age, and if they have been in trouble before.
The Consequences of Being Tried as an Adult
Being tried as an adult can have serious consequences. The young person might have to go to an adult prison if found guilty. Also, having a criminal record can make it hard to get a job or go to college later.
Defending a Juvenile in Adult Court
If a young person is being tried as an adult, they need a good lawyer. The lawyer can help them understand their rights and fight for the best outcome.
The Details Behind Trying Juveniles as Adults in Las Vegas
A Closer Look at the Legal Process and its Implications
The Role of a 'Certification Hearing'
Before a juvenile is tried as an adult, a process known as “certification” or “transfer” is done. In this process, a ‘certification hearing’ is held in the juvenile court to decide whether the juvenile’s case should be transferred to the adult court.
The judge will consider several factors during this hearing. These may include the nature of the crime, the juvenile’s age, past criminal record, and whether the juvenile can benefit from the services and rehabilitation provided in the juvenile justice system.
Types of Crimes Considered
It’s important to note that not all juvenile crimes can lead to a trial in adult court. Generally, these are serious offenses, often violent. These might include murder, rape, armed robbery, or other significant felonies. Each state, including Nevada, has specific laws that outline which types of crimes may result in a juvenile being tried as an adult.
Impact on the Juvenile's Future
When a juvenile is tried and convicted as an adult, it can significantly impact their future. Adult criminal convictions often carry stiffer penalties and longer sentences than juvenile offenses. Moreover, these convictions could be part of public records, affecting future job prospects, college admissions, and housing opportunities.
The Importance of Legal Representation
In these situations, having an experienced attorney is crucial. An attorney can help navigate the complex legal system, protect the juvenile’s rights, and advocate for their best interests. They can help argue for the case to remain in juvenile court or work to reduce potential sentencing if the case is transferred to adult court.
Understanding is Key
It’s clear that the process of trying juveniles as adults in Las Vegas is complex and can have profound implications. Understanding this process makes you better equipped to navigate it or help someone else. If you are in this situation, remember to seek legal help immediately.
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Breaking It All Down for You
The practice of trying juveniles as adults in Las Vegas can be complex and daunting. It’s a process that carries profound consequences, potentially significantly affecting the young person’s life.
For this reason, understanding the hows and whys is crucial, especially if you or a loved one finds themselves in this situation.
Legal representation is a vital part of this process. An experienced attorney can provide guidance, protect the juvenile’s rights, and advocate for their best interests.
They can make a challenging situation more manageable and work towards the most favorable outcome possible.
In the end, knowledge is power when navigating the legal system. The more you understand, the better equipped you are to handle any challenges that come your way.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey; resources and professionals are ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors does a judge consider when deciding to try a juvenile as an adult in Las Vegas?
The judge considers the severity of the crime, the juvenile’s age, their criminal history, and whether they can benefit from rehabilitation services in the juvenile justice system. This decision is made during a certification hearing after a thorough assessment of these factors.
How can being tried as an adult impact a juvenile’s future?
Being tried as an adult can lead to harsher penalties and longer sentences compared to juvenile court. A conviction becomes part of their public record, which can limit future job opportunities, college admissions, and housing options. The long-term consequences can be significant.
What role does an attorney play in defending a juvenile being tried as an adult?
An experienced attorney guides the juvenile through the complex legal system, protecting their rights and advocating for their best interests. They can argue for the case to remain in juvenile court or work to minimize sentencing if transferred to adult court. Their expertise is crucial in such challenging situations.
Can a juvenile’s case be transferred back to juvenile court after being sent to adult court?
In some cases, yes. The attorney can file a motion to transfer the case back to juvenile court. The judge considers factors such as the juvenile’s age, maturity level, and the nature of the offense when making this decision. However, it depends on the specific circumstances of the case.
Are there any alternatives to trying juveniles as adults in Las Vegas?
Yes, alternatives focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. These include juvenile diversion programs, offering counseling, education, and community service opportunities. The aim is to address underlying issues and prevent future offenses.
How can families support a juvenile being tried as an adult?
Families can support the juvenile by being present during court proceedings, working closely with the defense attorney, and ensuring the juvenile receives necessary counseling or treatment. They should also educate themselves about the legal process and maintain open communication with the juvenile throughout the challenging experience.
What happens if a juvenile is convicted in adult court in Las Vegas?
If convicted, the juvenile faces adult penalties, including prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Consequences vary based on the nature of the crime and individual circumstances. Reintegrating into society after serving the sentence may pose challenges due to the conviction.
Can a juvenile convicted in adult court receive rehabilitation services?
Yes, some rehabilitation services may be available within the adult correctional system, such as counseling, education programs, and vocational training. However, these services are often more limited compared to those offered in the juvenile justice system, specifically designed for rehabilitation.
Glossary
Juvenile: This term refers to a person legally considered a child, typically under 18.
Adult Court: This traditional court typically handles criminal cases involving adult defendants 18 years and older.
Certification Hearing: A “transfer hearing” is a process in which a judge decides whether a juvenile’s case should be moved from juvenile court to adult court.
Felony: This severe crime is often punishable by more than one year in prison. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, and armed robbery.
Juvenile Court: This unique court system handles cases involving individuals under 18 accused of committing a crime.
Legal Representation: This term refers to the lawyer or attorney representing and defending a person in court.
Public Records: These are documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and are available to the general public, often including criminal records.
Expungement: This legal process allows an individual to have their criminal records destroyed or sealed from state or federal records.
Appeal: This is a request made to a higher court to review and change a lower court’s decision. It can be a critical part of the legal process if a defendant believes there was a significant error in their trial.
Additional Resources for You
Our lead attorney, Molly Rosenblum, Esq., has not only established herself as a formidable presence in the courtroom but has also taken the initiative to create an array of valuable resources for those facing criminal charges. These resources, available on the Rosenblum Law website, are meticulously designed to offer guidance, insights, and support across a wide spectrum of criminal defense areas. Whether you’re dealing with charges related to DUI, domestic violence, drug possession, or any other criminal matter, these resources can provide you with critical information and help you understand your legal options. Here’s an overview of what you can find:
Criminal Defense Attorneys: Comprehensive support for individuals facing criminal charges, offering expertise in navigating the criminal justice system. Explore more.
Las Vegas DUI Lawyer: Specialized legal advice and representation for those accused of driving under the influence in Las Vegas. Learn about DUI defense.
Domestic Violence Lawyer Las Vegas: Expertise in handling sensitive cases of domestic violence, providing legal support and guidance to protect your rights. Get help with domestic violence charges.
Drug Possession Lawyer: Legal representation for individuals charged with drug possession, focusing on defense strategies tailored to the specifics of your case. Understand your options in drug cases.
Sex Crimes Attorney: Dedicated support for those accused of sex crimes, offering confidential and vigorous defense to challenge the allegations. Explore sex crimes defense.
CPS Defense Attorney: Assistance in cases involving child protective services, including allegations of child abuse and neglect. Learn about CPS defense.
Misdemeanor Lawyer: Representation for individuals facing misdemeanor charges, focusing on minimizing the impact and seeking favorable outcomes. Get misdemeanor legal support.
Juvenile Defense Lawyers: Specialized legal services for minors facing criminal charges, aiming to protect their future and rights. Discover juvenile defense strategies.
Las Vegas Warrant Defense Attorney: Guidance for resolving outstanding warrants and navigating the legal process to address these issues. Address warrant issues.
Las Vegas Probation Violation Attorney: Expert advice and representation for probation violation matters, helping to mitigate consequences. Understand probation violation implications.
Theft Crime Defense Lawyer: Defense strategies for those accused of theft, focusing on disproving allegations or minimizing penalties. Learn about theft defense.
Kidnapping Lawyers: Legal expertise for kidnapping charges, offering aggressive defense to challenge the prosecution’s case. Explore kidnapping defense options.
Firearms Lawyer Las Vegas: Specialized legal support for individuals facing firearms-related charges, ensuring your rights are protected. Get firearms legal advice.
Molly Rosenblum, Esq., through these resources, aims to provide those facing criminal charges with the knowledge and support needed to navigate the complexities of the legal system. We encourage you to utilize these resources to better understand your situation and legal options.
Offsite Resources You May Find Helpful
Here are seven offsite resources that can provide further insight into the legal topics of interest:
The American Bar Association: This site offers a wealth of resources for understanding legal issues, finding an attorney, and staying informed about legal trends.
Nolo: Nolo offers comprehensive legal guides, do-it-yourself legal books and software, and a directory of local lawyers.
FindLaw: This site provides free legal information, lawyer profiles, and a community to help you make informed legal decisions.
Justia: Justia offers case law, regulations, legal news, a lawyer directory, and a variety of free legal resources.
Legal Information Institute: Provided by Cornell University, this site offers a free and comprehensive legal reference tool.
Avvo: Avvo has a directory of lawyers for almost every legal area, along with free advice in its Q&A forums.
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL): This site offers resources about criminal defense law and can help find a criminal defense lawyer.
A Special Message From Our Lead Attorney
Molly Rosenblum, Esq
Dear Reader,
Thank you for taking the time to review these resources. Legal matters can be complex and overwhelming, and I hope you’ve found the information helpful in understanding your rights and options.
I understand that every situation is unique and may require individual legal advice. Therefore, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with us at The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm.
Please call us at (702) 433-2889. We’re here to help you navigate through your circumstances with the legal expertise and personal attention you deserve.
Remember, you don’t have to face legal challenges alone. We’re here to help.
Best,
Molly Rosenblum, Esq.
