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Bill Would Stop Prosecuting 16 And 17-Year-Olds In Adult Court

House Bill 280, introduced on March 8, 2017 - Sean Bueter WFDD

The North Carolina House announced bipartisan legislation Wednesday that aims to stop prosecuting some teens in adult court. 

North Carolina is one of only two states in the nation where 16- and 17-year-olds are tried as adults; the other is New York. Wednesday's proposed legislation allows for older teens accused of misdemeanors and non-violent felonies to instead be tried in juvenile court.

Measures like House Bill 280 have been filed in the general assembly before.

The difference this time? Chief Justice Mark Martin put together a commission to recommend the change. State law enforcement also supports it.

Supporters of the bill say it prevents teens from being saddled with adult criminal records that could cause them problems later in life.

The bill also proposes regular juvenile justice training for law enforcement officers, and the establishment of a juvenile jurisdiction committee. 

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Eddie Garcia is WFDD’s News Director. He is responsible for planning coverage, editing stories, and leading an award-winning news team as it serves the station’s 32-county listening area. He joined WFDD as an audio production intern in 2007 and went on to hold various roles, including producer, Triad Arts Weekend co-host, reporter, and managing editor. When he’s not working, Eddie enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and watching films.

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