Connecticut’s “Raise the Age” Law: What Parents Need to Know

If your teenager is facing criminal charges in Connecticut, understanding the state’s “Raise the Age” law could make a significant difference in their case outcome. This legislation fundamentally changed how the Connecticut justice system handles cases involving 16- and 17-year-olds, moving them from adult criminal court to the juvenile justice system, where rehabilitation takes priority over punishment.

Connecticut’s “Raise the Age” law was implemented in phases between 2018 and 2019, to ensure that most young people receive age-appropriate treatment through Family Court rather than facing the harsh realities of adult criminal proceedings. The law also provides opportunities for record sealing, giving young people a better chance at rebuilding their lives after making mistakes. 

If your child is facing criminal charges, the criminal defense attorneys at Jacobs & Dows, LLC can explain how this law may affect their case.

Key Components and Intended Impacts

The Connecticut Raise the Age law creates a more nuanced approach to juvenile justice that recognizes the developmental differences between teenagers and adults. Here’s how it works:

• Family Court for Most Cases: Most misdemeanor cases involving 16- and 17-year-olds are now handled in Family Court, where judges focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This court system is specifically designed to address the unique needs of young people, offering counseling, community service, and educational programs instead of jail time.
• Youth Part for Serious Crimes: Felony charges take a different path. These cases first appear in a special “Youth Part” of the adult criminal court system, where judges carefully evaluate each situation. They consider the severity of the crime and the individual’s history before deciding whether to transfer the case to Family Court or keep it in adult court.
• Protection from Adult Facilities: The law explicitly bars minors from adult correctional facilities in most circumstances. This protection recognizes that placing teenagers in adult prisons can cause lasting psychological harm and increase the likelihood of reoffending.
• Record Sealing Opportunities: Perhaps most importantly for families, the law provides better opportunities for sealing juvenile records. This means that youthful mistakes don’t have to follow your child for the rest of their life, protecting their future educational and employment prospects.

Legislative Evolution

Connecticut’s juvenile justice reforms didn’t happen overnight. The foundation was laid in 2007 with PA 07-4, which initially planned to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction beginning in 2010. However, implementation was delayed and occurred in phases.

The 2010 legislation allowed judges to transfer cases involving 16- and 17-year-olds from adult court back to juvenile court when appropriate. By 2012, additional procedural changes made it harder for prosecutors to transfer lower-level felony cases to adult court, requiring judges to consider whether the juvenile system would better serve both the child and public interest.

A significant change came in 2015 when the legislature eliminated automatic transfers for many 14-year-olds and raised the minimum age for certain transfers from 14 to 15. These incremental changes demonstrated Connecticut’s commitment to treating young offenders as developing individuals rather than miniature adults.

Benefits and Implications for Your Family

The Juvenile Justice CT system under the “Raise the Age” law offers several advantages that can protect your child’s future:

• Rehabilitation-Focused Approach: Unlike adult court, which emphasizes punishment, Family Court prioritizes helping young people understand their mistakes and develop better decision-making skills. Programs might include counseling, substance abuse treatment, educational support, and community service that builds character rather than simply punishing behavior.
• Enhanced Privacy Protections: Juvenile proceedings are generally confidential, protecting your child from the public scrutiny that comes with adult criminal cases. This privacy extends to court records, which may be eligible for sealing under certain circumstances.
• Professional Legal Guidance: The complexity of determining which court will handle your child’s case makes experienced legal representation essential. An attorney familiar with Connecticut’s juvenile justice system can advocate for your child’s case to remain in Family Court when appropriate and ensure all procedural protections are followed.

Protecting Your Child’s Future

Connecticut’s “Raise the Age” law represents a significant step forward in recognizing that teenagers deserve a second chance. By moving most 16- and 17-year-olds into the juvenile system, the law acknowledges that young people’s brains are still developing and that rehabilitation offers better outcomes than punishment.

However, navigating this system still requires skilled legal guidance. The distinction between cases that remain in juvenile court versus those that move to adult court can dramatically impact your child’s future. Having an experienced attorney who understands these nuances can make the difference between a sealed juvenile record and a permanent adult conviction.

If your child is facing criminal charges, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Jacobs & Dows, LLC today to schedule a consultation with our experienced criminal justice attorneys who can protect your child’s rights and future under Connecticut’s “Raise the Age” law.