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.
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