Young adults between the ages of 16 and 17 who commit specific felonies are immediately charged as adults under the new rule, which went into force on December 1.
The goal of Raise the Age was to keep juvenile offenders out of the adult criminal justice system.
Up until 2019, North Carolina was the only state in the nation to automatically charge all minor offenses committed by 16 and 17-year-olds as adults.
The transfer process for charged juvenile cases is also described in this new statute. It comes as a rise in serious crimes by young people has been observed by Triad officers.
More information regarding HB 834 can be found here.
Authorities were called to Old Vineyard Road early on Tuesday morning after a victim was robbed at gunpoint. After a careful investigation, four teenagers were taken into custody.
Under the new statute, two of the teenagers were taken to the Juvenile Detention Center and charged as adults.
Christopher Reyes, 16, and Christopher Isaiah Williams, 17, have been arrested and accused of robbery.
Officials said the fourth juvenile has been given a secure custody order, while the third juvenile is being petitioned for possession of a stolen vehicle.
The consequences of this new law soon became clear. Together with my crime-fighting allies, we planned to create a video that would encourage our young people to make better choices. Regardless of the age of the suspect, violent crimes will not be tolerated. William H. Penn Jr., Chief.
Triad law enforcement officers posted a video on Facebook regarding the legislation change on November 30.
RESOURCE
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.