Can Juveniles Be Sent to Adult Prison?
One of the biggest concerns for families of young offenders is whether a juvenile can be sent to adult prison. In most cases, minors are processed through the juvenile justice system, which focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, there are circumstances where a juvenile can be charged as an adult and sentenced to an adult prison.
When Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult?
While laws vary by state, there are a few common reasons a juvenile may be transferred to adult court:
1. Age and Severity of the Crime
- In many states, juveniles 16 or 17 years old who commit serious crimes, such as murder, armed robbery, or sexual assault, can be tried as adults.
- Some states allow even younger offenders to be charged as adults for extremely violent crimes.
2. Automatic Transfer Laws
- Some states have automatic transfer laws, meaning certain crimes require the juvenile to be tried as an adult, regardless of their age.
3. Prosecutorial Discretion or Judicial Waiver
- In some cases, a prosecutor can request that a juvenile case be moved to adult court.
- A judge may also have the authority to decide whether the case stays in juvenile court or gets transferred.
What Happens If a Juvenile Is Sent to Adult Prison?
If a minor is convicted in adult court, they could face a sentence in an adult prison. However, there are legal protections in place to keep juveniles separate from adult inmates:
- Juvenile Detention Until 18 – Some states keep minors in a juvenile facility until they turn 18, then transfer them to an adult prison.
- Separate Housing Units – Certain prisons have designated juvenile units to prevent young offenders from being placed with adult inmates.
- Blended Sentences – Some juveniles receive a combination of juvenile and adult sentencing, allowing them to complete part of their sentence in a youth facility before transferring to an adult institution.
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