Your child can be tried as an adult in Pennsylvania, it would be a rare instance when that takes place. It's referred to as a direct file. In other words, that the case is direct file to the adult court. It's going to depend on a number of factors. The seriousness of the offense would impact whether a juvenile would be tried as an adult. Also, their age, the closer that they are to the age of majority 18. The more serious the offense is, the more likely it is that the juvenile can be tried as an adult.
The district attorney's office would, of course, have a large say in whether this took place or certain offenses that would be automatically direct filed. Most cases would not be tried as an adult though, as a juvenile. The purpose of juvenile court is to treat, rehabilitate, and supervise the juvenile offender and that's the goal that's employed in the vast majority of cases.
Regardless of whether it's a juvenile court or adult court, the stakes are high because what can take place can literally impact a young person for the rest of his or her life. Having an experienced Pennsylvania juvenile defense attorney will help you best understand and navigate the juvenile process.
