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When Can a Minor Be Tried as an Adult in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a juvenile under the age of 18 can be tried for a felony offense the same as an adult if violence is involved and the crime meets certain criteria.

When Juvenile Crimes Become Felonies

Can a minor be charged with a felony? Minnesota juveniles can be charged as adults when they are suspected of violent crimes or offenses that are normally punishable by prison sentences when committed by adults. In most cases, juvenile offenders charged as adults are 16 to 17 years of age, but younger teens can be charged as well under certain circumstances. Prosecutors can begin the adult certification process if the minor is between 14 and 17 years old. If certification is approved by a judge, the case is transferred to an adult criminal court.

When determining certification approval, a judge considers certain factors that include the age of the child; the child’s record of delinquency and criminal history; the severity of the crime; the use of lethal weapons; and the child’s participation in the crime. Some of the most common felonies committed by Minnesota juveniles include:

  • Burglary
  • Robbery
  • Grand Theft
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Sale or Distribution of Drugs
  • Sex Crimes

Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction

If convicted of a felony as an adult, a juvenile offender can face serious penalties including a minimum one-year sentence to state prison and the loss of civil rights. Minnesota felony charges are serious and require a criminal defense attorney in Minneapolis who can navigate a complex legal system.

Juvenile felony offenses can result in one last chance for a minor to avoid adult sanctions and remain in the juvenile system. Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ) is a hybrid type of sentence that requires strict compliance. EJJ allows a minor to remain in the juvenile system under strict probation requirements until the age of 21. It comes with an adult prison sentence that will be imposed if the minor breaks his/her rules of probation.

A juvenile can enter EJJ in two ways: (1) If the prosecutor fails to persuade the judge that the juvenile offender should be certified as an adult, and (2) If the prosecutor moves for EJJ instead of an adult criminal court for juvenile felony offenders between 14 and 17 years old. Minnesota juvenile courts promote rehabilitation that supports law-abiding behavior, while adult courts are usually restricted by legal guidelines that mandate prison sentences, especially in violent offenses. A criminal defense attorney Minneapolis can provide protection for juvenile felony offenders through EJJ program compliance.

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.