Texas Penal Code Practice

When can a child who is 14 years old be charged as an adult under Texas law?

1. For committing a misdemeanor offense

2. For traffic violations

3. For any criminal offense regardless of severity

4. For serious offenses like capital felony or 1st-degree felony

The correct answer is: For serious offenses like capital felony or 1st-degree felony

A 14-year-old child can be charged as an adult under Texas law for serious offenses like capital felony or 1st-degree felony. In Texas, the Juvenile Court can transfer a case to adult criminal court if the child is 14 years or older and is accused of committing a serious offense. This transfer is commonly known as a determinate sentence. This process allows the juvenile to be treated as an adult in the criminal justice system due to the severity of the offense committed. It is important to note that for less serious offenses such as misdemeanors or traffic violations, a 14-year-old child would typically be handled in the juvenile justice system.