I’m a juvenile but I lied about my age and said I was an adult. What can I do now?

State law dictates that a juvenile offender under age 18 must be dealt with in the juvenile justice system. In most states, from the moment a juvenile is arrested, pre-trial services representatives are assigned to the case to investigate him, his background, his education, his mental and physical health and his prior record, in order to provide a judge with information for an appropriate disposition. So, when you are arrested and have lied about your age, it is unlikely that your “lie” will go undiscovered. Once it is revealed that your case, filed as an adult one, actually concerns a juvenile defendant, it will not be difficult to have it transferred to the juvenile justice system.

Advantages of Juvenile Court Over Adult Court

There are many reasons why you would want your case tried in juvenile and not in adult court. First, juveniles are kept segregated from more hardened adult populations. Additionally, while juveniles are not entitled to bail, there are various forms of detention, short of a prison cell, that can be used for custody purposes prior to trial, such as community-based shelters, electronic monitoring, in-home detention and reporting pre-trial probation. Moreover, most states have rules stipulating that a juvenile case should come to trial much more quickly than a case involving an adult for the same offense.

With respect to disposition (called sentencing in adult court), the emphasis is more on rehabilitation, not punishment or retribution as it would be in the adult system. The juvenile court’s jurisdiction extends only until the offender’s 21^st birthday. Finally, in many states, juvenile court records are sealed and can be expunged, even when there is a conviction, at the appropriate time.

Getting Help

If you are a juvenile who was arrested as an adult, you should immediately get an attorney and tell your attorney the truth. Your lawyer will then take the right steps to get your case into the juvenile justice system.

Case Studies: Juvenile Offenders Lying About Age

Case Study 1: The False Age Claim in a Serious Offense

John, a 16-year-old, is involved in a serious offense and falsely claims to be 18 during the legal proceedings. As the case progresses, the truth is discovered, and John wants to have his case transferred to the juvenile justice system.

Once John’s true age is revealed, steps can be taken to transfer the case to the juvenile court system. The transfer would ensure that John receives the appropriate legal treatment as a juvenile, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The court may consider factors such as John’s background, education, mental and physical health, and prior record to determine the appropriate disposition.

Case Study 2: Uncovering False Age Claim During Pre-Trial Investigation

Sarah, a 17-year-old, is arrested for a minor offense but falsely claims to be 20 years old. During the pre-trial investigation, it is revealed that Sarah is a juvenile.

When a false age claim is uncovered during the pre-trial investigation, the case can be transferred to the juvenile justice system. The court may assign pre-trial services representatives to gather information about Sarah, including her background, education, and other relevant factors.

The aim is to provide the judge with comprehensive information for an appropriate disposition that focuses on rehabilitation and takes into account Sarah’s age and circumstances.

Case Study 3: Seeking Legal Assistance and Correcting the False Claim

Michael, a 15-year-old, finds himself entangled in a legal case where he falsely represented himself as an adult. Recognizing the consequences of his actions, Michael seeks legal help to rectify the situation.

It is crucial for Michael to consult with an attorney experienced in juvenile law immediately. His attorney will guide him through the process of correcting the false claim and transferring the case to the juvenile justice system.

By providing accurate information and cooperating with the legal proceedings, Michael can pursue a resolution that aligns with his status as a juvenile and emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment.