Trial as an Adult

Rhode Island has been in the national spotlight in recent years for its approach to crimes committed by minors. Notably, in June 2007 the State of Rhode Island passed a law which requires all 17-year-olds to be tried as adults for all crimes. One motivation for this law was that the State's juvenile corrections center, the Juvenile Training school, is costlier to operate than a prison. After much protest from advocacy groups, this law was repealed in October of the same year.

As a result of this law's passage and subsequent repeal, the State of Rhode Island reformed its juvenile justice system. Before the June 2007 law, young offenders were detained in the state's Juvenile Training School. Since the law was repealed, the State has implemented some community-based approaches to reform for minors convicted of less severe crimes, reserving the Juvenile Training School for worse offenders.

Community-based reform programs can include things like review boards, skills training, and (where applicable) drug rehabilitation or mental health centers. These programs vary from case to case and are often individualized for each participant, and some involve parents in the rehabilitation process. Some studies have shown that these programs are more successful than incarceration for reforming young offenders.

Nonetheless, the State of Rhode Island has no minimum age for trial as an adult. Minors tried as adults can also be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. In addition, anyone convicted as an adult will be tried as an adult for all subsequent crimes. Many advocacy groups have protested these laws. Some have put forth proposals for changing the laws further towards community-based solutions.

In most cases, the State of Rhode Island seals criminal records when the offenders turn 18. However, for various reasons including trial as an adult, these records may persist after the offender becomes an adult. All of us make mistakes in our youth, but in some cases these mistakes can lead to a record that can haunt you.

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Fortunately, in many cases, it is possible to clear persistent juvenile offenses from your record. A knowledgeable Rhode Island expungement lawyer can work with you to clear your record. With a clean record, some jobs that were off-limits may be available to you again. To speak to an experienced lawyer contact the Rhode Island expungement law office of James Powderly at 401-662-9006.