TENNESSEE JUVENILE COURT ATTORNEY

Juvenile Court Jurisdiction

Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over persons less than 18 years old when alleged conduct occurred; but if person 18+ is charged for conduct occurring prior to 18th birthday, court may initiate transfer pursuant to the procedures in 37-1-134. Jurisdiction may not be retained past 19th birthday ( 37-1-102; 37-1-103).

Any juvenile 16+ may be transferred to adult court. ( 37-1-134(a)(1)). A juvenile under 16 may be transferred if accused of a serious felony listed at 37-1-134(a)(1). Prior to transfer juvenile court must conduct a hearing and consider factors listed at 37-1-134(b) and make specific findings listed at 37-1-134(a)(4). If a juvenile is transferred to adult court and convicted he will thereafter be considered an adult for any subsequent criminal charges. ( 37-1-134(c)).