Saint & Associates, PLLP Blog

Could My Child Be Tried as an Adult Rather than a Minor?

If your child has recently run into some legal trouble, this is undoubtedly an overwhelming and stressful situation for your family and you probably have some concerns about whether or not he or she will be facing charges as a minor or as an adult. In short, it depends on the crime and on the age of your child. In Oklahoma, a minor can be charged as a juvenile, a youthful offender, or as an adult.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOW MINOR DEFENDANTS CAN BE CHARGED IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

• Minor charged as an adult: If the defendant is 13-years-old or older and is facing first degree murder charges, he or she can be charged as an adult. This means he or she can face a life in prison sentence.
• Minor charged as a youthful offender: If the defendant is 15, 16, or 17 and accused of second degree murder, first degree manslaughter, attempted murder, shooting with the intent to kill, kidnapping, first degree or attempted rape, or armed robbery, to name a few, he or she can be charged as a youthful offender.

Generally, defendants who are under the age of 18 and accused of less severe crimes are adjudicated in juvenile court. Of course, much of this is subject to the discretion of the court and it is possible for the court to deviate from the aforementioned list. It is possible for a juvenile who is accused of a felony to be certified as an adult, or even for a minor who is charged with first degree murder to be a certified youthful offender or juvenile. That is why it is crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure your child has the best possible chance at salvaging a better future.

OKLAHOMA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

If your child is facing criminal charges, do not gamble with his or her future by failing to hire proper representation. At Saint & Associates, PLLP, our Broken Arrow criminal defense attorneys are here to provide you with the reliable and compassionate representation you need and deserve during this difficult time. Our team will use strategic tactics to craft a strong case on your child’s behalf.