'Raise the Age' 2nd phase now redirects 17-year-old criminal defendants
By Ali Hibbs Albany, N.Y. — The second phase of the Raise the Age law is in now in effect in New York state, officially redirecting 17-year-olds who are accused of criminal acts so that they no longer automatically proceed as adults in the criminal justice system. The change became effective at midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The administration has said that these youth will now be treated in “age- and