Youth and New York State Criminal Court

THE LAW AND THE YOUNG New York State is one of only two states that charges 16- and 17-year-olds as adults in criminal court. In fact, kids as young as 13 can be tried as adults for certain crimes in the Empire State. If you're a young person who's ended up on the wrong side of the law, the court you'll face and the possible outcomes that confront depend on a combination of the severity of your alleged crime and your age. A child is suspected of breáking the law 6 years old or younger: Not prosecuted 7-12 years old 13-15* years old 16-17" years old Considered a juvenile offender for more Tried in special Considered a juvenile delinquent for less serious crimes Considered a Tried as juvenile delinquent adolescent adults serious crimes diversion courtrooms Some juvenile offenders are transfered to family court Tried in Supreme Court Tried in Family Court Acquittal Prison or Jail Detention in State Case Dismissed Detention in State Juvenile Facility (for youthful offenders) Conditional Discharge Juvenile Facility Probation Probation Conditional Discharge *13-17 year-olds facing a first offense for a minor crime can be granted youthful offender status, and their cases may be heard in either Family or Supreme Court.