Michigan Governor signs bill raising age for juvenile offenders

LANSING, Mich.—Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed 18 bills on October 31 as part of the “Raise the Age” legislative package.

With bipartisan support, the package passed, raising the age of who is considered an adult under the criminal justice system from 17 to 18 years old.

The bills change how an individual is detained, tried and transported.

The new law ensures that anyone under the age of 18 years old will be treated as a minor in juvenile court and receive rehabilitation services outlined in the Youth Rehabilitation Services Act.

Violent offenders could still be prosecuted as adults under the prosecutor’s discretion, though, under the new bills.

The “Raise the Age” legislation will take effect October 21, 2021.