A bill that would Repeal the Age Act that went into effect in 2019 is making its way through the legislative process. The legislation approved in 2017 raised the age to 18 at which a person charged with a felony can be charged as a adult. But lawmakers want to lower the age back down to 17. It has the support of prosecutors. Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charles Riddle
“I hope that this bill passes because I believe that 17 year old’s are committing very violent crimes and we should be able to try them as adults for that.”
Current law does allow prosecutors to charge a 17-year-old as an adult in cases when a violent crime is committed. But 17-year-olds who commit lesser crimes go through the juvenile justice system. But University of Louisiana at Lafayette professor Matthew Green says existing law should stay in place…
“Putting 17 year old and 18 year old in an adult system where they are more likely to commit crimes in the future which should be the exact opposite of our goal as a state.”
But state lawmakers are hearing from law enforcement and prosecutors that crimes involving 17-year-olds is on the rise. Lake Charles Senator Jeremy Stine says having 17-year-olds in the juvenile justice system is not working…
“Committing murder and attempted murder over and over. Drive by shootings, carjacking and dragging people and then allowing them to get out at 18 is ridiculous.”
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