Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) joined Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), members of their conference, district attorneys and law enforcement from across the state at a press conference today in the State Capitol calling for reforms the policy known as “Raise the Age.” First enacted in the 2017-18 State Budget, Raise the Age is a series of policies that ultimately raised the age of criminal responsibility in New York state from 16 to 18, even in violent felony cases.

“I voted against Raise the Age knowing the adverse impact this law would have on public safety and holding violent criminals responsible for their actions,” Norris said.

Raise the Age has also led to violent, felony offenders being processed the same as juvenile delinquents through family courts, and as such do not face criminal consequences or develop accurate permanent records. If detained, they are housed with other juvenile delinquents under the supervision of the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

“It is crucial people know we are talking about violent offenders, often repeat offenders. These are not kids who made a bad decision. These are young adults who decided to break the law, commit crimes like assault, rape and using guns or other deadly weapons,” said Norris. “These aren’t the ‘one bad decision’ stories. These are the stories of career criminals in the making, and they need to be treated as such — As much for their own welfare as for public safety. If there is any hope for their future, they must learn to face consequences now.”

Before Raise the Age took effect in October of 2018, 59.8% of 16- and 17-year-olds charged with a felony crime were convicted or sentenced. However, after Raise the Age, and 16- and 17-year-olds arrested for felony crimes were processed under the new system, just 9% were convicted or adjudicated.

Essentially, the program has helped enable criminal activity in two ways: by creating a consequence-free revolving door for youthful offenders, and secondly, by creating a grooming opportunity to exploit new recruits. Gangs and drug dealers have taken particular advantage of this lack of accountability.

Among the reforms included the legislation proposed by Norris, Barclay and their colleagues is a change to current law to ensure all violent felony offenders see real consequences for their crimes by being processed through the Youth Part of the Superior Court, instead of through family court. Additionally, their bill allows for these felony-level, violent offenders’ records to be accessed in the future should they continue to pursue a criminal life after they turn 18.