D.C. could try some 14- and 15-year-olds as adults for certain criminal offenses. The change would apply only to crimes committed after the bill becomes law.
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To lower the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia to 14 years of age. is a Senate bill awaiting final action. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate.
Latest action on H.R. 5140: Received in the Senate.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects 14- and 15-year-olds in Washington, D.C., who are accused of certain crimes. It could move some of their cases from family court into adult criminal court. It also affects their families, defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and D.C. communities that follow how serious youth cases are handled.
Why this matters: This bill matters because it could change how D.C. handles serious criminal cases involving younger teens. A 14- or 15-year-old who might have stayed in family court could instead face adult criminal court. That can affect the court process, possible punishment, and where the young person is held. The bill does not say whether this would improve public safety or youth outcomes, so those effects remain uncertain.
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