Can Minors Be Taken To Adult Prison? – Lawyer Explains

Children usually don’t go to adult prison for committing crimes since some studies show that such environments worsen their still-developing mental health. However, that doesn’t mean all juveniles are free from critical consequences for heinous crimes.

In some cases, children can receive jail time in adult prisons and even get life sentences depending on the severity of the crime.

Attorney Ugo Lord Explains ‘Being Tried As An Adult’

Social media star lawyer Ugo Lord explains what it means to be tried as an adult in an interesting short video. This lesson was in reaction to a viral article about a 13-year-old boy charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Dr Lord explains that “even if you’re a minor, you can still arrested and charged for committing a crime.” He further explains that children aged 15 or 16 automatically qualify to go to trial as adults for any violent crime. 

The attorney then humorously reiterates that this “…means you go to big boy prison with other big boy prisoners who are all adults. It’s not fun!”. 

On the other hand, minors 12 years old and under can still get arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center, which is a “kiddie jail”.

Conditions That Result in Minors Going To Adult Jails

As explained by attorney Ugo Lord, minors can face trial as an adult, but they need to meet specific conditions before qualifying for this treatment. The first criterion is being 15 to 17 years old on the date of the alleged crime.

Next, there usually needs to be a charge of one or more felony crimes before an adult court can judge the case. However, it’s worth noting that in some states, like California, minors 13 years old and under cannot face trial as adults.

Nevertheless, felony charges are sufficient to convict some minors, and some common examples include:

• Murder (intentionally killing someone)
• Robbery (using force to steal from someone)
• Forcible sexual assault (rape)
• Kidnapping (forcibly moving someone against their will)
• Assault with a firearm (shooting someone)

Ultimately, as long as the crime is violent and grave, the minor will most likely go to an adult court.

Is Facing Trial As An Adult A Good Idea for Minors?

The argument supporting the practice of trying children as adults is that some crimes are so serious and heinous that they deserve adult punishment. Some proponents of this view also believe that harsh penalties can deter other minors from committing similar crimes.

Others believe that minors who commit such crimes are beyond rehabilitation and pose a threat to society. Therefore, trying them as adults is a valid approach to the severity of their crimes.

However, others against trying minors as adults mention that studies show that such punishments hinder proper development in the developing child’s mind. Additionally, some studies consistently show that young offenders prosecuted in the adult court system are more likely to re-offend.

A Lawyer is Necessary

The legal system treats minors differently from adults, but not always, since depending on the age and the crime, some minors can face harsh penalties and end up in adult prison. 

This can have devastating effects on their future and well-being; therefore, minors need to seek legal counsel once accused of a crime quickly. Attorney Ugo Lord is a seasoned legal practitioner and can help minors and their families navigate the complex legal process. 

You can contact Ugo Lord at his website or follow him on social media for more informative videos.