R. 5:22-1. — Referral at Election of Juvenile

Any competent juvenile 14 years of age or older charged with delinquency may elect to have the action transferred to the appropriate court and prosecuting authority having jurisdiction. Any competent juvenile under 14 years of age charged with an offense which if committed by an adult would constitute murder as defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3 may elect to have the case transferred to the appropriate court and prosecuting authority. The judge shall inform the juvenile of the right to elect such referral at the initial detention or probable cause hearing. The judge shall determine that such election, if requested, has been made knowingly, willingly, voluntarily and after consultation with counsel.