Bill increases age for minors tried in felony trials

By Jenna Wilson

A Missouri bill that recently passed raises the age a minor can be charged as an adult from 12 to 14.

There are two types of certification proceedings in the state of Missouri: discretionary, when a court has the option to hold a hearing to determine whether a juvenile should be certified to stand trial as an adult, and mandatory, when a juvenile is charged with a very serious felony type offense. Age requirements have changed for both proceedings.

Prior to Aug. 28, mandatory certifications applied to all children, regardless of age, if the juvenile was alleged to have committed a serious felony (this includes a child as young as 6).

However, with the passing of SB 754, for discretionary certifications, the minimum age will now be 14 years old and mandatory certifications, the minimum age has been set to 12 years old.

Linda Meyer, Fifth Circuit chief juvenile officer, said the Buchanan County juvenile office deals with cases involving minors often and lawmakers presumably decided to raise the age limit based on maturity.

“A key part of this decision from lawmakers was likely based on brain development,” Meyer said. “There’s even evidence that shows a child’s brain is not fully developed and that’s something the legislation decided to take into account.”

There have also been offenses added to the mandatory certifications which include a dangerous felony, as described by Missouri law, and any felony involving the use, assistance or aid of a deadly weapon.

Officials said these additional changes could have an impact in how often juveniles face mandatory proceedings.

“The additional offenses included for mandatory certification will likely result in more youth facing certification proceedings due to the increased number of youth referred for offenses involving the use of a deadly weapon,” Meyer added.