The laws defining crimes and procedures in New York are complicated…
Most Fridays, we will post a #fridayfacts…
Under CPL Article 720, a defendant 14–18 at the time of the offense may be adjudicated a Youthful Offender. Benefits include sealed records and no criminal conviction reported on college/employment applications; it doesn’t bar holding public office or jobs. Punishments are also less severe.
Eligibility generally requires:
- Age 14–<19 at offense;
- No prior felony convictions;
- Never previously adjudicated YO.
For some offenses (e.g., sex offenses, serious violent felonies), YO is discretionary with the judge.