Why he’s in adult court now
In Pennsylvania, homicide charges begin in adult criminal court automatically. The burden then shifts to the child’s defense attorney to request a decertification hearing — asking a judge to transfer the case back to juvenile court.
At that hearing, the defense must prove the child would benefit from rehabilitation in the juvenile system.
“(The attorney) has to demonstrate that that’s the right place for this kid, that they’ll benefit from the treatment and rehabilitation that is offered in the juvenile court system,” Riya Saha Shah, the CEO of the Juvenile Law Center, said. “And so the burden is really on the child.”
Two separate systems, two different philosophies
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