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16-Year-Old Driver Awaits Decision on Whether He Will Be Charged as Juvenile or Adult Following Deadly Houston Police Chase
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The 16-year-old driver involved in a police chase that tragically ended in a fatal crash in north Houston on Monday morning is anxiously awaiting the decision on whether he will face charges as a juvenile or adult. The incident, which has shocked the community, has prompted legal experts to highlight the complex factors that will be considered in determining the appropriate course of action.
On Monday, the Harris County District Attorney’s office revealed that the 16-year-old had been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including felony murder, intoxicated manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid, evading arrest and detention, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
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Prominent Houston-based criminal defense attorney, Joe Vinas, has shed light on the three critical components that will factor into the decision of whether the 16-year-old will be charged as an adult. Vinas emphasized that this process could take several months due to the complexity of the case.
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1. Age and Level of Offense
According to Vinas, the charges faced by the defendant and their age will be crucial factors in the “certification process.” He explained, “To be charged with a felony, the defendant must be 14 years or older.”
2. Factors Surrounding the Offense
Vinas emphasized that various factors surrounding the offense would be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate charges. In this case, the high-speed six-minute chase acts as an “aggravating factor” that may work against the defendant during the certification process.
READ: 16-year-old identified as driver in police chase that ended in deadly crash in north Houston
3. Factors Surrounding the Defendant
The court will carefully examine various factors related to the defendant, including information gathered from the juvenile probation department, family background, and the state. Additionally, psychological and psychiatric evaluations, as well as school and family records, will play a significant role in the certification process.
Vinas stressed that the certification process operates similarly to a trial, allowing the defendant’s attorney to present arguments against trying the teenager as an adult.
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