New York’s ‘Raise The Age’ Law Explained

New York State passed a law that made a major change to youth offenders. Anyone who pays attention to the news knows that criminals are getting younger and younger. Whether it's something like excessive bullying or more serious, like car theft, there seem to be more kids committing crimes. Strangely enough, some youth crimes are influenced by social media. A few years ago, the "Kia Boys" trend went viral. Around New York State, there were instances of teenagers stealing Kia cars to joyride in.

In 2024, 6,045 juvenile and adolescent offenders were arrested in New York State, according to the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Of those arrests, 4,014 were in New York City. Around the rest of the state, the top 5 counties with juvenile and adolescent offenders are:

5. Suffolk County - 140
4. Westchester County - 149
3. Monroe County - 210
2. Onondaga County - 223
1. Erie County - 289

There are currently eight juvenile detention centers in New York, housing 439 offenders.

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New York State Won't Arrest Or Prosecute Children Under 12

The initial 'Raise the Age' law in New York was enacted on April 10, 2017, and changed the age of criminal responsibility to 18.

Another change was made to the 'Raise the Age' law. New York State no longer arrests or criminally prosecutes children under the age of 12. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation in 2022, and it took effect on January 1, 2023. Under the previous law, children ages 7 and older could be charged with a crime in New York. Now that the new law is in effect, any youth under the age of 12 who commits a crime will be referred to the local social services department. The exception to the law is in cases of homicide.

The legislation behind the new law, S04051A/A04982-A,

Raises the lower age of juvenile delinquency jurisdiction from seven to twelve years of age; establishes differential response programs for children under the age of twelve.

**Not intended to provide legal counsel or advice

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