NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York raises the age of criminal responsibility under the new so called "Raise the Age" initiative.
The reform, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, states 16- and 17-year-olds will no longer be prosecuted as adult criminals.
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The age will change to 17 next year and to 18 the year after.
It now directs minors who commit misdemeanors to family court and creates a special youth court for felonies.