Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan
If a 17 year old individual is accused of 3rd Degree Retail Fraud, first offense, why is she not being charged as a Minor?
2 Answers from Attorneys
In Michigan, at age 17, people are charged as adults in the criminal justice system. You can read more at:
www.AggressiveCriminalDefense.com
Michigan laws establish different "ages of majority" for different crimes, rights and responsibilities.
16 yrs old = age of consent ... when a person acquires legal authority to consent to sexual conduct
17 yrs old = age of majority for criminal behavior ... so, until a person turns 17, most misdemeanor or felony violations of the penal code, motor vehicle code, controlled substances act, etc. are processed as "delinquent" acts in the family division of circuit court. Prosecutors have some leeway to charge or process some felonies as 'adult cases' if the person is 14-16 yrs old, but it's usually reserved for heinous crimes or repeat offenders
18 yrs olf = old enough to legally smoke cigarettes
18 yrs old = age of emancipation ... meaning that they are no longer "minors" in the eyes of the law. They can enter their own contracts. Parents no longer have a responsibility to provide for their daily needs. Etc.
21 yrs olf = old enough to legally drink/possess alcohol
Related Questions & Answers
-
How do i bring criminal charges against the michigan parole board Asked 9/12/09, 12:52 am in United States Michigan Criminal Law
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
