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.
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.
Plain Language Summary
# HR 5140 Summary **What the Bill Does:** HR 5140 would lower the age at which minors in Washington, D.C. can be tried as adults in criminal court from 16 to 14 years old. Currently, D.C. law allows 16-year-olds charged with serious crimes like murder, sexual abuse, armed robbery, and burglary to be tried as adults. The bill would extend this possibility to 14-year-olds facing the same charges, as well as other felonies if a court determines there's little chance for rehabilitation and it serves the public interest. **Who It Affects:** This bill directly affects minors (ages 14-17) accused of serious crimes in Washington, D.C., and the D.C. juvenile and criminal justice systems.
Young people tried as adults could face adult prison sentences rather than the typically shorter sentences available in juvenile court. The bill also affects crime victims and the D.C. community's public safety outcomes. **Current Status:** The bill passed the House of Representatives. It would need Senate approval and the President's signature to become law. No Senate action has occurred yet.
CRS Official Summary
This bill lowers the age at which an individual may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia (DC) to 14 years of age. Under current DC law, an individual who is under 18 years of age is tried as a juvenile in family court. However, an individual who is 16 years of age or older may be tried as an adult if the individual is charged with murder, first-degree sexual abuse, burglary in the first degree, robbery while armed, or assault with intent to commit any such offense. Additionally, an individual who is 15 years of age or older may be tried as an adult if the individual is alleged to have committed a felony and it is determined that (1) it is in the interest of the public welfare to try the individual as an adult, and (2) there are no reasonable prospects for the individual's rehabilitation.The bill lowers the minimum age to be tried as an adult in these cases to 14 years of age.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate.