Las Vegas Criminal Law Blog

Crimes Where Your Child Could Be Tried as an Adult

If your child is accused of or charged with committing a crime, the first step you should take is to get your child competent legal representation. That said, what are the chances your child will be tried as an adult for the crime they are accused of committing?

Here is what you need to know.

Three Criteria

For most minors accused of a crime, juvenile court is where their case will be processed. There are three exceptions where a minor can be certified as an adult and tried under the adult crime statutes (the exact verbiage is found in NRS 62B.390):

Your child is under the age of 14 and accused of committing felonies
Your child is 16 or 17 and accused of committing sexual assault (NRS 200.366) or firearms offenses (in either case, the juvenile usually is certified)
Your child of any age is accused of murder (NRS 200.020.)

In the case of your child being accused of or charged with committing any other crimes, their case must remain in delinquency as opposed to criminal court.

Exceptions

It is not mandatory in many cases that your child be charged and tried as an adult. In the following cases, the court may not certify the child as an adult for criminal proceedings purposes:

Your child cannot understand the situation due to mental incompetence
Your child has substance abuse or behavioral issues that the juvenile court system can treat

Cases With Multiple Charges

If the charges are linked (your child is charged with a firearms conviction while selling drugs, for instance), and one charge can be elevated to adult status, generally, all will.

The Role of Judicial Discretion

Generally, Nevada law does not grant a lot of leeway for judicial discretion for either a judge or a prosecutor. Exceptions are listed above.

Penalties

Adult criminal penalties and sentences are generally harsher than those imposed in the juvenile delinquency courts. Your judge can, however, determine the severity of any penalties. If your child is accused of or charged with committing any of the crimes that might get them in adult criminal court, contact the Law Offices of Benjamin Nadig for a free consultation.

Skillful Defense Against Any Type Of PCS Or Marijuana Possession Charge

My only concern is securing the best available result for each client I serve. I am diligent If you are found in possession of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, a medication for which you have no doctor's prescription, club drugs or drug paraphernalia, I will present the strongest possible case to show that the drugs were not yours or that the police had no grounds to perform the search that led to the discovery of the drugs.

If the prosecution has compelling evidence in your case, I will pursue every available option in an effort to avoid a conviction on your record. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, it may be possible negotiate 3363 treatment that would allow for your case to be dismissed after you complete court-ordered classes or drug treatment.

Contact My Office For A Free Consultation | Available 24/7

I will do everything in my power to secure the best possible resolution in your case. Contact my office for a free attorney consultation. I offer on-site appointments at the jail or another location that is convenient for you if you are not able to come to my office. I will meet you at any time, day or night. You can reach me by phone at 702-545-7592 for an immediate response or via email for a response on the following business day.