RALEIGH, N.C. — The 'Raise the Age' law in North Carolina was initially passed in 2019 as a way to reduce recidivism among the youth population in the state.
Under the law's initial framework, 16- and 17-year-olds could be charged in adult court depending on the seriousness of the crime, but it was a process that could be quite time-consuming.
In June, the North Carolina legislature passed an amendment to the law that says all 16-and 17-year-olds who commit Class A through E felonies will be tried as adults immediately. The amendment was vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper, but his veto was overridden by the legislature.
The new amendment goes into effect Monday, December 1.
Other changes made by the amendment include the following:
- 16- and 17-year-olds who were previously tried as adults might have their cases moved to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
- 16- and 17-year-olds who were charged with a Class F through I felony or non-motor vehicle misdemeanor offenses will still be under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
- 13-, 14- and 15-year-olds who were tried as adults might have their cases moved to juvenile court.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.