Juvenile Crime — Are they being tried as adults?

Are juveniles being tried as adults?

In some circumstances juveniles are being tried in adult court, according to Johns, Flaherty & Collins attorney Edward Rue. Wisconsin defines a juvenile as a person under seventeen years of age for the purposes of the criminal law. Generally, the juvenile court has exclusive jurisdiction over a juvenile 10 or older who is alleged to be delinquent. However, the juvenile court can waive its exclusive jurisdiction if the juvenile is 15 or over, or 14 or over if charged with certain felony or drug offenses. Also, for certain serious violent crimes, such as intentional homicide, the adult court will have original jurisdiction over a juvenile.

For more information about juveniles in adult court, contact Johns, Flaherty & Collins at 608-784-5678.