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North Carolina's Largest Law Enforcement Association supports raising the juvenile age

The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association (NCPBA) has endorsed the North Carolina Commission on the Administration of Law and Justice (NCCALJ) Criminal Investigation and Adjudication Committee’s initial recommendation to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in the state to include youthful offenders aged 16 and 17 years old for all crimes, except Class A through E felonies and traffic offenses. North Carolina is one of only two remaining states to prosecute 16- and 17-year-olds in adult criminal court. 
 
“We recognize the negative impact the current law is having on 16- and 17-year-olds in North Carolina,” said Randy Byrd, president of the North Carolina PBA and member of the NCCALJ’s Criminal Investigation and Adjudication Committee. “We appreciate the efforts of Chief Justice Mark Martin to convene the NCCALJ and bring together stakeholders to address this important issue affecting the youth of our state.”

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