‘Affluenza’ Teen Update: Ethan Couch’s Case To Move To Adult Court

Ethan Couch, known as the “affluenza” teen, will likely have his case moved to adult court.

Ethan Couch Adult Court

Couch will soon be back in court for a hearing on his probation violation. While his case has been in juvenile court, it’s expected that a judge in Tarrant Country will move his probation hearing to adult court, reported CBS. If the judge doesn’t make that ruling, then Couch, 18, will age out of the system in April, when he turns 19.

Couch’s lawyers acknowledge there are no legal grounds to appeal his case’s transfer.

Couch, who is currently being held in isolation at Tarrant County’s adult jail for violating his violating and running away to Mexico, will likely serve out the rest of his 10-year probation as an adult under the jurisdiction of the corresponding system.

Per adult probation, Couch might have to wear a GPS ankle monitor. It’s also possible that he’ll be subjected to alcohol monitoring. If Couch were to break the rules of his probation, it’s possible he could be sent to jail.

Defense attorney Scott Brown said, “We are optimistic that Ethan can complete, and successfully complete, his probation once he’s transferred to adult court.”

In 2013, Couch was underage and three times the legal alcohol limit when he struck and killed four people. The term “Affluenza” was coined after Couch’s lawyers successfully convinced the jury that their client didn’t know right from wrong due to his wealthy upbringing.