Which offense would typically result in treating a 16- or 17-year-old as an adult upon arrest?

• A. Possession of marijuana
• B. A misdemeanor not involving weapons
• C. A motor vehicle infraction under Title 14
• D. A felony unrelated to vehicles

Answer: (C)

When a minor is evaluated for adult processing, the type of offense and the teen’s age often determine where the case goes. Driving-related offenses are treated more seriously in many jurisdictions because they directly involve public safety and the driving privileges that affect everyone on the road. For a 16- or 17-year-old, a motor vehicle infraction under Title 14 is the kind of offense that is commonly designated to move cases into the adult system or to trigger certification to adult court more readily than other juvenile offenses.

In contrast, possessions of marijuana, a misdemeanor not involving weapons, or a felony unrelated to vehicles are typically handled within the juvenile system, unless there are specific aggravating factors or state rules that mandate transfer. So the motor vehicle infraction stands out as the most likely to result in treating the teen as an adult upon arrest.