North Carolina's new 'Raise the Age' law will transfer some teen delinquency cases to adult court

RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) — A North Carolina law which allows more youths accused of serious crimes to be automatically tried in adult court took effect December 1.

The law, which was passed over a General Assembly veto, adjusts juvenile justice reforms in recent years involving young people aged 16 and 17.

The previous removal of automatic prosecution in adult court was seen as a way to help more youth avoid lifelong public criminal records for one-time mistakes while giving them access to youth-focused resources within the system for minors, where records are not public. .

As senators worked to improve legislation opposing the original bill, Cooper wrote in his veto message: “I remain concerned that this new law would prevent some children from receiving the treatment they need while making communities less safe. »

Supporters of the law argued that the changes did not amount to “raise the age” legislation, but were simply adjustments to reflect the practical realities of the criminal justice system. Juvenile court cases against district attorneys are increasing, and moving them to adult court will ease their burden.