The future of a 14-year-old girl, who has been accused of drowning the infant daughter of her mother’s family friend, will depend greatly on whether she is tried as a juvenile or an adult, The Dallas Morning News reported on April 10.
Texas District Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon recently heard arguments on whether the teenager, who was arrested in January 2015 for the death of Justice Hull, should be tried as a juvenile or an adult.
If the court decided that the girl should be tried as an adult and if she is also found guilty of capital murder, she may receive life imprisonment in an adult jail. If she is deemed a juvenile and convicted through that system, she may be able to experience intensive programs that could allow her a chance at rehabilitation and freedom.
Travis County Judge Darlene Byrne, who is the elected president of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, said this decision is always extremely difficult, as the needs of society are weighed against the needs of the young person in question.
Our Dallas legal team at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter understands the complexities of criminal court and may use our experience and resources to work for the best possible result from your case. Call our offices at (214) 845-7007 to begin working toward the protection of your future.
