Juvenile Criminal Charges in Michigan

Parents are often shocked and angry when they find out that their high-school-aged kids will be tried as adults in the Michigan criminal justice system.  Currently, kids who allegedly commit crimes in Michigan on or after their 17th birthday are automatically charged as ADULTS.  So, high school seniors who legally cannot vote, smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol face the prospect of going to jail or prison (not to mention having a conviction on their record before applying for college, jobs or military).  Michigan is one of the few remaining states where 17-year-olds are automatically tried, sentenced and incarcerated as adults if they are charged with or convicted of a crime.  In fact, 46 other states classify 17-year old kids as juveniles for most offenses.

Learn more here.