Earlier this year, the New York State Budget for 2018 announced that it would include measures to raise the age of criminal responsibility after years of backlash. New York, along with North Carolina, was one of two states that held 16 and 17 year olds accountable as adults when they were charged with a crime. There was backlash against the original law, stating that children should not be in the same facilities as adults because it could have serious psychological impacts and safety issues.
Now, New York State will be raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18, leaving North Carolina behind as the last state to charge minors as adults. Beginning on October 1, 2018, the age of criminal responsibility will be raised from 16 years old to 17 years old. Then, it will be raised again from 17 years old to 18 years old on October 1, 2019. The law will create juvenile detention facilities that will be run by not only the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, but also will work closely with the New York State Commission of Correction and the New York City Department of Corrections.
The law will only apply to 16 and 17-year-olds who commit crimes that are non-violent in nature. They will be offered necessary treatment programs that can set them up for a successful, crime-free future. If you need strong legal representation for a juvenile crime, contact our firm today.
Contact The Law Office of Raji S. Zeidan, PC today to schedule a consultation if you are in need of strong legal representation for any of your criminal defense and personal injury matters.