The new law, which took effect on December 1, automatically charges young adults aged 16 to 17 who commit specified felonies as adults.
“Raise the Age” was an effort aimed at preventing young criminals from entering the adult criminal justice system.
Until 2019, North Carolina was the only state in the country that automatically charged all 16- and 17-year-olds as adults, even for minor crimes.
This new statute also outlines the transfer procedure for indicted juvenile cases. It comes as Triad officers have noted an increase in major crimes committed by young individuals.
You may learn more about HB 834 here.
Early Tuesday morning, authorities arrived to Old Vineyard Road, where a victim had been robbed at gunpoint. Four adolescents were arrested following a thorough investigation.
Two of the adolescents were charged as adults under the new law and transported to the Juvenile Detention Centre.
Christopher Isaiah Williams, 17, and Christopher Reyes, 16, have been detained and charged with robbery.
According to officials, the third juvenile is being petitioned for possession of a stolen car, while the fourth juvenile has been handed a secure custody order.
“The ramifications of this new law became apparent quickly. We hoped that by filming a video with my crime-fighting allies, we could inspire our youth to make better decisions. Violent crime will not be condoned, regardless of the suspect’s age. Chief William H. Penn Jr.
On November 30, Triad law enforcement officials broadcast a video on Facebook about the legislation change.