North Carolina is discussing an issue of age — and it’s not the drinking age.
The state may soon allow 16- and 17-year-olds to be tried in the juvenile justice system.
North Carolina is the most strict for young offenders, trying those at or above age 16 in the adult system, Judge Marcia Morey of Durham County District Court said.
The issue will go to the N.C. General Assembly in 2011, she said.
“If you can’t drink and you can’t vote and you can’t get a library card or enlist in the army or be out without parental permission at the age of 16, then why should you get charged as an adult,” she said.
Supporters suggest there may be many benefits in raising the maximum age.
“Juvenile probation is much more intensive to help kids get off substance abuse, get mental health treatment and check in with court counselors,” Morey said.
She also said young adults tried in juvenile court are less likely to end up getting in trouble with the law later in life.
Not only will this change help young people become creative, productive citizens of society, but it will also provide relief for the adult criminal court system and reduce current costs in the system, said N.C. assistant public defender Philip Penn.