At what age can a child be tried as an adult?

In North Dakota, the age at which a child can be tried as an adult is 14. This reflects the legal standards in place regarding juvenile justice, where individuals under this age are typically subject to the juvenile court system, which focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment.

When a child reaches 14, they may be involved in serious criminal offenses that allow the state to process their case in adult court under certain circumstances. This essentially means that if a juvenile commits a severe crime, such as a violent felony, they can face adult charges, which come with more severe penalties compared to those typically afforded in juvenile court.

Understanding this age limit is crucial for comprehending how the juvenile justice system functions in North Dakota, including the implications for rehabilitation versus criminal penalties.