Change To Justice System
16 and 17 year olds will no longer be automatically be tried as an adult for MOST nonviolent or less serious felonies as the long awaited Raise The Age law takes effect. The “Raise The Age” initiative will reduce recidivism through the services offered to delinquents and allow young people to avoid the stain of lifetime criminal records in the confidentiality of juvenile cases. This Law along with about 30 other laws that have passed or been amended will take place this coming Sunday. While accused young people at these ages will be initially placed under juvenile court jurisdiction, it will be mandatory for those facing the most serious felonies to be tried in adult criminal court. Others accused of lower-grade felonies could still be transferred there with a judge’s order. Motor-vehicle cases will remain in adult court. Do you think this law will help the youth?
