EXPERT JUVENILE DEFENSE IN PHILADELPHIA

The Pennsylvania juvenile defense system focuses on restoring and rehabilitating juvenile offenders under the age of 18. The Pennsylvania juvenile courts expect young offenders to take responsibility for their actions and learn from them as they go through the juvenile defense process. While most youth cases are filed in juvenile court, oftentimes with serious crimes and extensive criminal records, the case may be filed as a “direct file” in adult criminal court. 

UNDERSTANDING THE PENNSYLVANIA JUVENILE COURT SYSTEM

Since the Pennsylvania juvenile justice system focuses on educating and rehabilitating young offenders, there are many benefits of going through the juvenile court process versus adult criminal court. Juvenile offenders will not receive a prison sentence. In the cases where a juvenile is transferred to a delinquency center, the offender will go through counseling and receive education on how to become a functioning member of society. Pennsylvania has policies in place to expunge juvenile records so the offender can enter adult life with no criminal record. 

DIRECT FILE CASES FOR JUVENILES IN PENNSYLVANIA

In Pennsylvania, juveniles who commit serious offenses are brought as a “direct file.” Direct file refers to the discretion granted to prosecutors to transfer juvenile cases from the juvenile court system to the adult criminal court system. This process is typically invoked when the offender is over the age of 15 with a history of criminal behavior and/or charged with a serious offense such as:

• Murder 
• Manslaughter
• Rape
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Robbery
• Grand theft auto
• Kidnapping

There are some gray areas when it comes to some direct file cases. Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys can file a petition for “decertification” which would move the case back to juvenile court if approved. 

DECERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS

Decertification of juvenile offenders in Pennsylvania involves a legal process where a qualified criminal defense attorney can file a petition advocating for the transfer of a juvenile’s case from the adult criminal court system back to the juvenile court. The petition argues that rehabilitation, rather than punishment, is the most effective way to address underlying issues, providing an opportunity for the juvenile to become a functioning member of society. 

Once your defense attorney files the motion to have the case transferred to juvenile court, the judge will consider the following factors:

• The age of the offender
• Their maturity and mental capacity
• The alleged crime and its related details
• How the offender would benefit from the juvenile justice system
• How this decision could affect public safety

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED JUVENILE CRIME DEFENSE ATTORNEY

If you are in need of legal representation for a juvenile offender in Philadelphia, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who will actively represent the juvenile throughout the legal process. With experience in advocating for the rights of young individuals, our staff understands the nuances of the juvenile justice system. Our expertise includes navigating decertification petitions and ensuring that your case is appropriately considered within the juvenile court system. Take the first step in protecting the rights and well-being of a juvenile offender by contacting our Philadelphia criminal lawyers for dedicated and knowledgeable legal representation today.