In the Interest of: B.J.L., Appellant, v. JUVENILE OFFICER (2023)

ORDER

B.J.L. appeals the judgment of the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court of Lafayette County granting the juvenile officer's motion to dismiss the juvenile petition and certify him for prosecution as an adult under general law pursuant to section 211.071, RSMo Cum. Supp. 2021. He raises three points on appeal. He asserts that the juvenile court abused its discretion in certifying him as an adult for prosecution because, under the totality of the circumstances, he would have benefitted from the treatment and rehabilitative programs available in the juvenile system. He further asserts that he received ineffective assistance of counsel when counsel failed to move to suppress his involuntary self-incriminating statements made outside the presence of a “friendly adult” and when counsel failed to investigate and obtain available competent evidence in mitigation. Because a published opinion would have no precedential value, a memorandum explaining the reasons for this decision has been provided to the parties. The judgment is affirmed. Rule 84.16(b).

Per Curiam: