Bipartisan state legislation that will stop the automatic prosecution of 17-year-old offenders as adults has garnered support as a measure favorable to Michigan's youth and its communities.
“Until now, Michigan was one of only four states that defaulted 17-year-olds to the adult justice system for prosecution and punishment," David Guenthner, senior strategist for state affairs at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, said in a statement. "Treating all 17-year-olds accused of crimes as adults rather than juveniles has proven to have negative consequences on their future prospects for employment, housing and repeated criminal activity. Michigan joining the overwhelming majority of states that send most 17-year-olds through the juvenile justice system – while keeping the adult system as an option for the most serious crimes – will improve public safety and redeem more of our young people.”
The "Raise the Age" legislation now goes to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. In addition to the Mackinac Center, the measure has garnered support from law enforcement and the business community, as well as court administrators.
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