At a press conference today in Albany, Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) joined a coalition of state assemblymembers, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen and Chief Assistant District Attorney from Delaware County Shawn Smith to call for a repeal of “Raise the Age.” The statute, passed by Majority lawmakers in 2017, allows many 16- and 17-year-old offenders arrested for a felony to receive lighter sentencing in family court as opposed to youth criminal court.

“Committing a felony like homicide or violent burglary is a serious offense and those responsible need to be held accountable for their actions instead of receiving a slap on the wrist as this law facilitates,” Lemondes said. “The public has been pleading for safer streets and more public safety for years now – yet downstate Majority lawmakers in Albany have doubled down on these policies which embolden and empower criminals. I am proud to stand with my colleagues today and call for a repeal of “Raise the Age” – the future of our state depends on it.”

According to the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Raise the Age Statistics, in 2021 only 9% of 16- and 17-year-old offenders arrested for a felony received a felony conviction.

Due to the near automatic diversion of adolescent offenders to family court by “Raise the Age,” law enforcement agencies have reported that drug rings and criminal organizations are recruiting teenagers who are 16- and 17-years-old to carry out their activities, leading to more and more young people falling victim to a life of crime.

**Click Here to watch Assemblyman Lemondes Speak on “Raise the Age”**