Ethan Couch, ‘Affluenza’ Teen, Adult Court Hearing Scheduled

Ethan Couch, the Texas teen who used the “affluenza” defense after killing four people in a DWI incident, is set to make his first court appearance at 9 a.m. on April 14 after fleeing to Mexico While it is probably that Couch could be facing more jail time, Judge Salvant has issued a gag order so the exact purpose of his court appearance is unclear.

Although Couch was 16 when he committed the crime, Couch turned 19-years-old on Monday, so he was moved to an adult facility in Forth Worth Tuesday night and will be appearing in adult court. He had been in the juvenile facility since he was recaptured on January 28 after he and his mother tried to flee to Mexico after a video surfaced of Couch drinking, a violation of his probation. His mother, Tonya Couch, could also be facing up to 10 years in prison for hindering the apprehension of a felon.

In 2013, Couch was sentenced to 10 years probation by Judge Jean Boyd after he used the defense strategy of “affluenza” with a psychologist, explaining that the crime happened because he was a rich kid whose parents didn’t set limits on him. This sparked outrage across the country. He’s currently being held in solitary confinement. Officials say that it’s for his protection.