Experienced Defense Attorney in Certification as an Adult
When a juvenile case involves a serious felony allegation, one of the most important questions may be whether the case will remain in juvenile court at all. Texas law allows prosecutors in certain cases to ask the juvenile court to waive its jurisdiction so the child can be prosecuted as an adult. This process is commonly called certification as an adult or a juvenile transfer.
For families, the certification decision can fundamentally change what is at stake. At Odefey, Witte, Wall, & Villafranca, LLP, attorney Jordan G. Fries represents juveniles and their families throughout Victoria, Port Lavaca, and surrounding South Texas communities. He helps parents understand what prosecutors are asking the court to do and what needs attention before the certification hearing.
Certification is not automatic simply because a juvenile has been accused of a serious offense. Prosecutors must request the transfer, and a juvenile court judge decides whether the case should move into the adult criminal system.
That decision can involve several considerations, including:
A certification hearing is therefore about more than the underlying criminal accusation. The court is also deciding where the case belongs. That makes the information presented about the young person—not just the alleged offense—particularly important.
If certification is granted, the juvenile may face the case in adult criminal court.
That can mean:
For a family, preventing a transfer to adult court can become one of the most consequential issues in the entire case.
Jordan approaches certification by looking beyond the offense report. The judge may be asked to make a major decision about a young person’s future based on a relatively short period of that person’s life.
Context is very important. Jordan considers school and family history, prior juvenile involvement, evaluations, maturity, available treatment or supervision, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. He also examines whether the prosecution’s account accurately reflects the juvenile’s individual role when multiple people are involved.
The objective is to give the court a complete picture before it decides whether the juvenile system should give up jurisdiction.
A certification proceeding can determine whether a young person faces the protections of the juvenile system or prosecution as an adult. Families need clear advice about what the State is seeking and what information may matter to the judge.
Jordan Fries provides that guidance with the perspective of a former felony prosecutor and a focus on preparation, practical judgment, and straightforward communication.
