Opinion ID: 1238962
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: motion to transfer rubio's case to juvenile court

Text: As his final issue, Rubio claims the district court abused its discretion when it denied his motion to transfer his case to juvenile court. A determination to transfer proceedings commenced in district court is governed by the factors enumerated in Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-237(b) (1994): (i) The seriousness of the alleged offense to the community and whether the protection of the community required waiver; (ii) Whether the alleged offense was committed in an aggressive, violent, premeditated or willful manner; (iii) Whether the alleged offense was against persons or against property, greater weight being given to offenses against persons especially if personal injury resulted; (iv) The desirability of trial and disposition of the entire offense in one (1) court when the juvenile's associates in the alleged offense are adults who will be charged with a crime; (v) The sophistication and maturity of the juvenile as determined by consideration of his home, environmental situation, emotional attitude and pattern of living; (vi) The record and previous history of the juvenile, including previous contacts with the law enforcement agencies, juvenile courts and other jurisdictions, prior periods of probation to this court, or prior commitments to juvenile institutions; (vii) The prospects for adequate protection of the public and the likelihood of reasonable rehabilitation of the juvenile (if he is found to have committed the alleged offense) by the use of procedures, services and facilities currently available to the juvenile court. After hearing testimony from Sheriff Murphy, Dr. Merrell and Rubio, the district court meticulously addressed each factor in its decision letter, and concluded: Each of the factors considered is either neutral or favors this case remaining in district court. The most persuasive factor is that the Defendant had established himself as an independent, emancipated individual, living and working on his own. The serious, intentional nature of these alleged offenses, and the need to assure rehabilitation, also are strong factors to retain this case in district court. Rubio contends the district court's conclusion unreasonably ignores the testimony of Dr. Merrell regarding Rubio's immaturity. Rubio also asserts the district court did not properly balance the statutory factors in light of the fact that this was, at most, a date rape. We are not persuaded, and Rubio's attempt to downplay the seriousness of his crime is not well-received. First-degree sexual assault perpetrated on an acquaintance is rape. Rubio was living independently and working full time on the date of his arrest. While Dr. Merrell opined that Rubio was not as mature as his outward appearance would imply, Dr. Merrell also testified that Wyoming has limited resources to treat Rubio's juvenile alcoholism. We are satisfied that the district judge carefully considered the evidence before the court and appropriately related the evidence to the statutory factors.