The controversial ‘Raise the Age’ law’s amendment will take effect on December 1

North Carolina’s Raleigh The original purpose of North Carolina’s Raise the Age law, which was passed in 2019, was to lower recidivism rates among the state’s youth.

Depending on the seriousness of the offense, 16 and 17-year-olds could face charges in adult court within the basic structure of the law, but the process could take a long time.

All 16- and 17-year-olds who commit Class A through E felonies must be tried as adults right away, according to a June amendment to the law made by the North Carolina Assembly. The Assembly overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of the amendment.

On Monday, December 1, the new amendment goes into force.

The following adjustments are also made by the amendment:

• 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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