How Age Impacts Juvenile Cases in Long Island Criminal Courts

How Age Impacts Juvenile Cases in Long Island Criminal Courts

Juveniles in Long Island who find themselves in trouble with the law face a complex legal system that treats them differently based on age. There are significant differences in how cases are handled for those under 16 versus 16-18 year olds. Understanding these nuances can help young people and their families better navigate the courts.

The Age of Juvenile Jurisdiction

In New York, the age of criminal responsibility is 16 years old. This means that only youth ages 16 and older are tried in criminal court as adults. Children under 16 accused of crimes go through the juvenile justice system. The purpose of juvenile court is rehabilitation rather than punishment. Judges have significant discretion on sentencing and focus on the best interests of the child.

New York recently passed the Raise the Age law which increased the maximum age of juvenile jurisdiction from 15 to 17 years old. Now, 16-17 year olds have their cases originate in newly created Youth Parts of criminal courts. The reforms aim to ensure adolescent development and needs shape court responses. However, violent felonies still result in criminal court trials for this age group.

How Age Impacts Court Processing

Age plays a pivotal role in legal processes and outcomes. Children under 12 cannot be arrested or charged with a crime under New York law. Their cases go through Family Court which connects youth and families to community services.

For juveniles ages 13-15, cases start in Family Court. Judges can determine whether to keep the case or transfer it to juvenile delinquency proceedings. Delinquency courts have more formal court procedures but focus on rehabilitation not punishment. Probation, counseling, community service and placement out of the home are common sentences.

The Raise the Age reforms designate most 16-17 year olds as adolescent offenders. Their non-violent felony cases are handled in Youth Parts featuring judges trained in adolescent development. The parts blend aspects of juvenile and criminal courts. Sentences balance accountability with age-appropriate penalties aimed at rehabilitation. Violent offenses still go through regular criminal courts.

Young adults ages 18-21 also receive some leniency under New York law. Judges have discretion to sentence them as youthful offenders. This results in no permanent criminal record despite a conviction. It recognizes research showing brain development continues into the mid-20s.

Sentencing Considerations for Age

Judges have significant leeway when sentencing juveniles in Long Island. Age serves as a mitigating factor that typically leads to lesser punishments. The Supreme Court has ruled mandatory life without parole unconstitutional for those under 18. New York law also prohibits life sentences for juveniles convicted of non-homicide crimes.

Research shows adolescent brains are still developing impulse control and decision-making until the mid-20s. Judges take immaturity and impulsiveness into account when sentencing. They also examine home environment, trauma history, peer influences and other youth-related factors.

While homicide charges are rare, judges consider age even in murder cases. In 2018, a Long Island 15 year old received Youthful Offender status despite pleading guilty to manslaughter. The judge cited research on adolescent brain development in his decision to seal the teen’s criminal record.

Defense Strategies Centered on Age

Defense attorneys have several strategies focused on youth status in Long Island courts. Many emphasize developmental immaturity such as impulsiveness and susceptibility to peer pressure. Showing lack of judgment typical for the age helps explain criminal choices.

Another common legal approach involves highlighting incompetency to stand trial due to intellectual limitations. Severe trauma histories may also form the basis for an immaturity defense. Attorneys present evidence that youth could not fully comprehend wrongfulness or consequences of actions.

Additionally, lawyers work to transfer juvenile cases to Family Court where rehabilitation takes precedence over punishment. Getting non-violent charges against 16-17 year olds into Youth Parts can also limit penalties.

For the youngest offenders, competency concerns, trauma backgrounds and rehabilitative needs take center stage. Defense teams work to secure probation, counseling and other community-based services by emphasizing age and adolescence.

The Bottom Line

Age significantly shapes how juvenile criminal cases get handled on Long Island. Those under 16 go through rehabilitative juvenile justice systems that consider youth status in sentencing. Older teens have some protections as well but violent crimes still mean adult charges. Understanding the nuances around age and the courts empowers families to advocate for their children.