Who has the authority to waive a juvenile to adult court?

• A. The juvenile
• B. The district attorney
• C. The juvenile's guardian
• D. The judge

Answer: (D)

Waiver to adult court is a judicial decision made by a judge after a formal waiver hearing. The district attorney initiates the process by petitioning for waiver and presenting the case, but the ultimate transfer of jurisdiction from the juvenile system to adult court rests with the judge who weighs statutory factors and the circumstances of the offense. The juvenile and their guardian participate in the process and may argue for keeping the case in juvenile court, but neither has the authority to unilaterally transfer the case. The judge considers age, the seriousness of the offense, prior behavior, likelihood of rehabilitation, and public safety, then decides whether to waive.