17-year-olds

VS

18-year-olds

 

The State of Michigan does not allow 17-year-olds to:

 

Drop out of school

Enter into a legal contract

Enlist in the military without parental consent

Serve on a jury

Vote in elections

Live independently from their parent or guardian

Purchase or use tobacco

Work in jobs involving cash transactions without adult supervision

Access firearms without adult supervision 

Purchase fireworks
Get a tattoo without parental consent
Rent a hotel room

Purchase a lottery ticket

 Rent a car
Pawn items

 

Nonetheless...

 

Michigan requires all 17-year-olds to be charged and treated as adults if arrested for any offense.

 

Lawmakers have determined that children younger than 18 are not yet mature enough to vote, enlist in the military, serve on a jury, sign a binding contract, or purchase alcohol. Yet, if they become in trouble with the law, even for a minor, non-violent offense, they are automatically prosecuted as an adult, face a possible prison sentence, and can have a lifelong conviction.

 

46 other states allow 17-year-olds to access rehabilitative services only available in the juvenile justice system. Of those that have recently amended their laws, increased public safety, cost‐savings, and improved outcomes for youth were the reason for change.

 

 

 

It’s time for Michigan to raise the age!