Couch case transferred to adult court

The “affluenza” teen – reviled after getting probation for killing four people while driving drunk – has had his case transferred from juvenile to adult court.

Couch fled the US shortly after a video surfaced online that purportedly showing Couch at a party where people were drinking alcohol beverages.

As a result, Couch, who is now 18, could face jail time for the 2013 wreck.

It will be up to a state district judge in adult court to determine what the terms of his probation will be, such as an ankle monitor or curfew. Consuming alcohol would break the terms of his probation. During his juvenile trial, a defense expert argued Couch’s wealthy parents had coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility. To start, just “star” this story in ABC News’ phone app. Download ABC News for iPhone here or ABC News for Android here.

Ethan Couch’s father, Fred Couch, declined to comment as he left the courthouse Friday.

Scott Brown, an attorney representing the teenager, says he will not ask for any specific probation terms when an adult court takes up the case.

The move to adult court means Couch could be sentenced to 120 days in jail if it’s found he violated his 10-year probation, which runs through 2024. One condition could include a jail sentence of 120 to 180 days.

Couch had a blood alcohol level almost three times above the legal limit for an adult when his pickup truck fatally struck a stranded motorist and three people who had stopped to assist.

Prosecutors wanted the case moved to the adult system, where Couch could serve up to 40 years in prison for any subsequent probation violation. Lemus said. “We need some help”. Couch will remain in isolation in an adult jail where he has been held since February 5, Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson said after the hearing.

Before the hearing, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) President Colleen Sheehey-Church spoke to reporters outside the courthouse. She faces two to 10 years in prison if convicted of hindering the apprehension of a felon.

Tonya and Ethan Couch were arrested in the Mexican resort city of Puerto Vallarta on December 28, after a call for pizza delivery tipped off authorities to their whereabouts. Eighteen-year-old Ethan Couch, also known as the “affluenza teen”, could be eligible for release on bond.

Her son initially fought deportation but later dropped the fight and returned to Texas in late January.