Legal Question in Criminal Law in District of Columbia

how is he judged

if someone is 16years old and commits a murder how do they get judged and how many years can they get especially with a cop questioning them without any adult present with no warrant.and only using the capture of that 16 year old from being hospitalized to bring them in


Asked on 6/08/08, 10:10 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Valerie Masters Valerie Masters, P.A.

Re: how is he judged

They could file as an adult and he would be facing as much time as an adult. Kids dont get special treatment and there is no right to have an adult present.

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Answered on 6/09/08, 11:45 am
Gladys Weatherspoon Law Office of Gladys Weatherspoon

Re: how is he judged

A 16 year old accused of murder can be charged as an adult. That means he is facing 30 years to life. 30 being the bottom number. If he is convicted, the judge has no choice but to give him at least 30 years. The other issues you brought up are of no moment to this situation. Obviously, there are a lot of other things to consider. He could be convicted of 2nd degree or manslaughter depending on the situation, or he could go to trial and win an acquittal. He could make a deal with the government for a lesser charge. Not knowing the circumstances of the case, I cannot give you any idea what kind of deal he could get or what would be the best route for him to take

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Answered on 6/08/08, 10:27 pm


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