SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Onondaga County Attorney’s office supports new legislation that raises the age at which those charged with non-violent crimes are tried as an adult, despite District Attorney’s opposition. The new law, which went into effect for 16 year-olds on Monday, is commonly referred to as “Raise The Age.”
On October 1 of next year, the law will go into affect for 17-year-olds as well. Misdemeanor crimes such as theft and low-level assault committed by minors will be tried at Family Court. Before the new legislation, those charges were prosecuted in the Onondaga County & City of Syracuse Criminal Courthouse.
County Attorney Bob Durr thinks the new law is a good thing for taxpayers.
“It goes from a punishment based on probation and/or jail to a more rehabilitative punishment,” Durr said.
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Government attorneys like Bob Durr work out of the John H. Mulroy Civic Center.
© 2018 Gill Gross
Family Court judges have the option to sentence defendants to jail, but it is used as a last resort, according to Durr. More often, Family Court will mandate probation, supervision, and rehabilitation.
The Onondaga County District Attorney’s office has opposed the law. First Chief ADA Rick Trunfio told NCC News that the legislation is politically motivated and could be used as a tool for gangs to recruit teenagers. Durr is quick to point out that if gangs used Raise The Age as a recruiting tool, it would be merely propaganda.
“As far as them being immune from criminal prosecution for serious offenses- that’s not going to happen,” Durr said.
The county attorney estimates that hundreds of 16 year-olds will be affected by the legislation annually, and even more 17 year-olds.
