CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Teenagers booked for a crime will now have a couple extra years to get help before facing adult consequences.
North Carolina is joining other states in raising the cutoff age to be considered a juvenile.
['Raise the Age': Meck County prepares for more juvenile offenders]
Starting Sunday, 16- and 17-year-olds who commit crimes won't be automatically charged as adults.
"It's hardly a pass, it's an opportunity," said Cabell Clay, with the Council for Children.
Watch the video above to hear Channel 9's veteran crime reporter Glenn Counts break down the benefits and challenges of the new change.