PARENTS & YOUTH / MARYLAND

When Can a Maryland Teen Be Charged as an Adult?

Age matters, but it is not the only factor. The alleged offense, the date it occurred and Maryland's jurisdiction and transfer rules can all affect where a case begins and where it is ultimately handled.

What changed in October 2026?

For qualifying offenses committed on or after October 1, 2026, Maryland's Youth Charging Reform Act provides that certain cases involving 16- and 17-year-olds charged with first-degree assault or misdemeanor handgun/firearm offenses begin in juvenile court. That starting point does not answer every later question.

Source: Maryland Department of Juvenile Services: Youth Charging Reform Act.

Beginning in juvenile court is not a guaranteed outcome

Parents should not assume that a case will remain in juvenile court, that detention is impossible, or that records and consequences will automatically disappear. The facts, charges, history and procedural decisions may matter.

What parents should do immediately

1. Find out the exact allegations and obtain the paperwork.
2. Confirm the next hearing, intake appointment or deadline.
3. Preserve messages, devices, school notices and other information.
4. Avoid contacting witnesses or posting about the incident.
5. Ask qualified Maryland counsel to review jurisdiction and transfer issues.

Questions to bring to counsel

• Where does the case begin, and why?
• Could it move to another court?
• What happens at the next hearing?
• Could my child be detained?
• How could the case affect school, driving, work or future records?

General educational information only; not legal advice. Contacting the firm or downloading a guide does not create an attorney-client relationship.