Minnesota Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction - The Carrot and the Stick
When children find themselves in the Minnesota Juvenile Justice System, they will likely be pushed down particular paths based upon the seriousness of the allegation. If the allegations are low level offenses including misdemeanor and petty misdemeanors, these cases will generally stay in juvenile court. Under the most extreme circumstances or with repeat offenders, they could be certified as adults and could face adult sanctions including prison and an adult record. Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction, known as EJJ, is more of a hybrid, dual-sanction program designed to give a child an opportunity to avoid an adult sanction.
EJJ applies to children 14 and older but but younger than 18 who alleged to have committed serious felony level offenses. Normally, the Court can only retain jurisdiction over the child until they reach the age 18. EJJ allows the Court to retain jurisdiction over the child until the age of 21.
Opportunities Come with Risks
The purpose of EJJ is to allow for continued oversight but also potentially to provide particularl services or additional requirements over the child. In the end, the idea is that it keeps the case from becoming an adult conviction. This is the carrot. However, along with the carrot, the Minnesota Juvenile Justice System certainly has the stick, and the risks are very real.
Along with the juvenile court sentencing, the court stays an adult court sentence. This means that the Court holds this potential sentence over the child’ head until they become 21. If the child fails to fulfill all of their obligations of the juvenile probation in addition to law abiding provisions, the Court can sentence the child to the adult conviction. This is the stick. Typically, these kinds of cases involve serious of violent offenses including Murder or attempted murder, aggravated robbery, weapons charges, carjacking and sex crimes.
EJJ is frequently seen as an opportunity and for the right child, it absolutely is. They stay in the juvenile justice system and move into adulthood and the case is never certified. It may be the best of a bad outcome. However, there are certain cases where an adult conviction could result in a longer prison than if the charge were actually one committed by an adult. As is usually the case, opportunities come with risks. So, it is important to have an experienced Juvenile Crimes Attorney help assess which kind of case your child is facing and what kind of child is best suited for EJJ if the opportunity arises.
Let Jack Rice Defense stand with you and your Child
Jack Rice Defense will stand with you and your child. Anytime a child is facing juvenile charges, it is critical to sit down with an experienced Juvenile Crimes Attorney who can help determine the seriousness of the charges, which direction the court and prosecutors may go, and really what comes next. Jack Rice Defense has been handling juvenile cases in Minnesotas courtrooms for decades. Jack is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, former Juvenile Crimes Prosecutor and Juvenile Crimes Attorney. Sit down with him for a free consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339..