What age can a 14-year-old be tried as an adult for serious crimes?

In Vermont, a 14-year-old can indeed be tried as an adult for serious crimes, but this is typically applied in circumstances involving particularly severe offenses, such as violent crimes or serious felonies. The law generally designates 18 as the age at which individuals are considered adults within the criminal justice system.

Thus, when discussing the most widely accepted age that sets the threshold for adult criminal responsibility in the court system, 18 is established as that standard. This reflects a broader principle in many states and federal laws that aim to treat minors differently from adults, with an emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment, especially for those under the age of 18.

The options reflecting younger ages like 12 or even 14 suggest a misunderstanding of the adult charge criteria since those are typically viewed within juvenile jurisdiction. Therefore, the understanding of 18 as the age when a minor can be charged as an adult for serious crimes aligns with both national standards and Vermont's policies.