But the one place they are treated as adults is in New York’s justice system. New York is only one of two states in the country that treats 16 and 17-year-olds like adults in its criminal justice system. Each year, 4,700 adolescents are sentenced to time in adult prisons and jails. According to the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy (2013), 16 and 17-year olds are all processed in adult criminal court instead of family court no matter how serious the offense. Charges include but are not limited to shoplifting, vandalism, causing a disturbance, possession of marijuana, or something more serious. Many of these offenses are non-violent and/or misdemeanors. Some common offenses would not be a crime at all if done by someone over the age of 21. Underage drinking is an
But the one place they are treated as adults is in New York’s justice system. New York is only one of two states in the country that treats 16 and 17-year-olds like adults in its criminal justice system. Each year, 4,700 adolescents are sentenced to time in adult prisons and jails. According to the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy (2013), 16 and 17-year olds are all processed in adult criminal court instead of family court no matter how serious the offense. Charges include but are not limited to shoplifting, vandalism, causing a disturbance, possession of marijuana, or something more serious. Many of these offenses are non-violent and/or misdemeanors. Some common offenses would not be a crime at all if done by someone over the age of 21. Underage drinking is an