When is the decision made to try a juvenile as an adult?

The decision to try a juvenile as an adult is made at the transfer hearing. This hearing is a critical stage in the legal process where the court assesses whether a juvenile should be transferred to adult court based on various factors, including the severity of the offense, the age of the juvenile, the juvenile's past criminal history, and the likelihood of rehabilitation within the juvenile system.

During the transfer hearing, evidence and arguments are presented by both the prosecution and defense concerning the appropriateness of trying the juvenile as an adult. The judge evaluates these factors and has the discretion to decide based on the best interests of justice. This decision is not made at arrest, during case review by the prosecutor, or at a deposition hearing, as these points serve different purposes within the judicial process.