Transfer is the process by which a case that began in juvenile court is moved to adult criminal court. It is the highest-stakes issue in juvenile law, and it is decided case by case.
Transfer is state law
Eligibility ages, qualifying offenses, and the standard the court applies all differ by state. There is no single national rule.
What the court looks at
- The young person's age, maturity, and history
- The circumstances and gravity of the allegation
- Prior involvement with the court, if any
- Whether rehabilitation is realistic within juvenile jurisdiction