How juvenile court handles cases when kids are accused of serious offenses

Police have one 15-year-old suspect in custody in connection to the mass shooting at Seattle Center on Sunday.

Earlier this week, a King County Superior Court Judge found probable cause for three counts of first-degree assault and a single count of second-degree illegal possession of a firearm. 

The suspect remains in juvenile detention. An arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, where the defendant will hear charges filed against them.  

But the legal process may become more complicated due to the alleged suspect’s age. 

Judge J. Mike Diaz explains how juvenile court works, and the major differences between that and adult court – in the wake of the mass shooting at Seattle Center.

Guest:

• J. Mike Diaz was a King County Superior Court judge from 2018-2022, and served a term as the Chief Judge of King County's Patricia H. Clark Children & Family Justice Center. Former governor Jay Inslee appointed him to the Court of Appeals in 2022. He's also an adjunct professor of Law at Seattle University Law School and taught juvenile law at the Washington Judicial College.

Related Stories:

• 15-year-old Seattle Center shooting suspect charged with first-degree assault; prosecutors seek adult trial - KUOW

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.