At what age does a juvenile typically transition into the adult criminal justice system in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the transition of a juvenile into the adult criminal justice system typically occurs at 16 years old. However, it's important to note that the law changed in 2019, raising the age at which individuals are treated as juveniles for most offenses from 16 to 18. This means that individuals who are 16 and 17 years of age may be processed in the adult system, but only for certain offenses that are classified as "non-exempt" crimes.

The correct choice reflects this shift in age, highlighting that while 17 years old aligns with the recent legal changes that place a higher emphasis on treating younger individuals as juveniles, technically, juveniles can still transition to adult proceedings starting from 16 years old depending on the offense. This nuance is crucial for understanding how North Carolina's juvenile law operates within the context of broader criminal justice practices.

Therefore, focusing on the legal framework in North Carolina, the age at which a juvenile typically transitions into the adult criminal justice system has been set to 16 for most but has been reconsidered through changes that primarily affect 17-year-olds for various offenses, marking a shift towards a more rehabilitative approach.