Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

I am 16 years old. I was charged with first degree burglary. How much time might I receive?


Asked on 10/23/09, 12:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

That depends on whether your case is heard by a juvenile court or a criminal court. Technically, juveniles are not sentenced to a term of punishment. Instead the court orders a behavioral treatment program, which may involve commitment to a juvenile facility, if the child is uncooperative, or his parents unable to control him.

Whether the case proceeds in juvenile or criminal court depends on which court has original jurisdiction, whether a juvenile court waives its jurisdiction to the criminal court, or whether the criminal court transfers jurisdiction to juvenile court.

Either your parents should hire a lawyer for you, or qualify to get one appointed by the public defender. Do so immediately.

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Answered on 10/28/09, 2:43 pm


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