At what minimum age can a juvenile be charged as an adult for a felony-level crime?

In Minnesota, a juvenile can be charged as an adult for certain felony-level crimes starting as young as 14 years old. This age is set by the state's laws regarding juvenile jurisdiction and direct file procedures. When a juvenile is charged as an adult, they lose the protections typically afforded to minors in the juvenile justice system.

The significance of 14 as the minimum age reflects legislative intent to hold young offenders accountable for serious crimes while also balancing the interests of rehabilitation and public safety. Crimes that can lead to adult charges include violent felonies and other serious offenses, underscoring the gravity with which the legal system treats such actions by juveniles.

As a point of contrast, individuals younger than 14 are generally not charged as adults, which indicates a recognition of the developmental differences in younger children. This legislative framework aims to provide a measure of protection for younger juveniles while still allowing the system to address serious offenses committed by older youth.