Michigan Would Stop Charging 17-year-olds as Adults Under Bills
A bipartisan group in Lansing wants to change the rules around juvenile offenders.
Host Stephen Henderson speaks with Michigan Public Radio Network Capitol Bureau Chief Rick Pluta about a bipartisan plan at the state Capitol to change how 17-year-olds are charged and sentenced for crimes. Michigan Public Radio Network legislative reporter Jake Neher filed this report:
The bipartisan legislation would prohibit placing people under 18 years old in adult prisons and jails. Any teenager could still be charged as an adult for violent crimes such as murder.
Sponsors say putting minors in adult jails and prisons keeps them from the rehabilitative services they need.
“We’ve got to remember we’re talking about a child,” said state Rep. Harvey Santana (D-Detroit), who is leading the effort in the state House.
“What good does that serve that child? What help are we really providing that child? And who are we as a state to continue that practice in this era of corrections reform.”
Santana says it’s also a safety issue.
“As it relates to 17-year-olds, I think (prison is) probably even more dangerous for them because we’re talking about children, and we’re talking about kids who are going to be victimized by predators.”
The legislation would also increase the maximum age of juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 to 18 years old.
Bill sponsors say there are about 600 17-year-olds in Michigan’s corrections system.
