Commit Crimes in WI at 17, Expect to Receive Adult Penalties

 Posted on January 04, 2026 in Criminal Defense

In Wisconsin, committing a crime at 17 usually means facing adult penalties instead of juvenile consequences. Under current Wisconsin law, 17-year-olds are charged in adult criminal court by default, a rule that remains in place in 2026, even as many other states have raised the age for adult prosecution. For example, North Carolina started working on raising the age to 18 nearly a decade ago. 

While some cases are more serious than others, the impact of being treated as an adult can be significant regardless of the charge. The Ozaukee County, WI juvenile defense lawyer at Bucher Law Group, LLC can help explain how this law applies to your specific case and what options you may have early on.

Why Are 17-Year-Olds Charged as Adults in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law sets the age cutoff for juvenile court at sixteen. Once a person turns 17, their criminal case is filed in adult court by default. This applies to both minor and serious offenses.

The law does not require violence or repeated behavior for the adult court rule to apply, either. A first-time offense is still handled the same way. For example, a 17-year-old accused of shoplifting in Grafton or disorderly conduct in Port Washington will still go through adult criminal court.

What Does It Mean To Face Adult Penalties at Seventeen?

Adult penalties are different from juvenile consequences. Juvenile court focuses on guidance, treatment, and supervision. Adult court focuses on punishment under criminal law.

Adult penalties may include:

• Jail or prison instead of juvenile detention

• Fines that are higher and set by statute

• Adult probation with strict rules

• A permanent criminal record

A criminal record from adult court does not disappear when someone turns 18. It can affect life for years after.

Can a Criminal Case Be Moved Back To Juvenile Court if You Are 17?

In some cases, Wisconsin law allows a case to move from adult court back to juvenile court. This process is called a reverse waiver. However, a reverse waiver is not automatic. It requires a formal request and a court hearing.

Reverse waivers are controlled by Wisconsin Statutes § 970.032. The defense must ask the court to transfer the case and explain why juvenile court is more appropriate.

Judges look carefully at the full situation, not just the charge itself. They consider the teen’s maturity, school experience, and any prior contact with the system, along with the seriousness of the allegation. Because this decision carries long-term consequences, reverse waiver requests are approved only in limited situations and require clear, well-supported reasons.

An attorney can help explain what the court will consider and how to present the strongest possible case for your child.

How Are 17-Year-Olds Sentenced in Adult Court?

When a 17-year-old is convicted in adult court, the judge follows adult sentencing laws. Juvenile sentencing rules do not apply.

Age may be considered, but it does not control the outcome. For felony cases, Wisconsin Statutes § 973.01 sets structured rules for how much time may be spent in confinement and under supervision. These rules apply even when the defendant is still a minor.

What Happens After a 17-Year-Old Is Charged in Ozaukee County?

After charges are filed, your child’s case moves into adult criminal court in Ozaukee County. It usually begins with an initial appearance at the Ozaukee County Justice Center, where the judge sets bond conditions and schedules future court dates.

Adult court moves quickly. Deadlines come up fast, and early decisions can have lasting effects. Statements your child gives to police, the bond conditions imposed, and the initial charging decisions can all influence how the case develops.

At this stage, the defense may also look at whether a reverse waiver is realistic. That decision depends on the charge and your child’s background. Understanding this early process can help families avoid mistakes that are difficult to fix later.

How Can an Adult Criminal Case at 17 Affect the Future?

An adult criminal case can follow a person for years. Colleges, employers, landlords, and licensing boards often run background checks. Even nonviolent charges can raise concerns.

Handling the case carefully from the beginning can reduce long-term harm. The goal is not only to resolve the current charge. It is to protect future opportunities.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Jefferson County, WI Juvenile Defense Attorney

If your child is facing criminal charges, an attorney can explain what to expect and help you make informed decisions.

At Bucher Law Group, LLC, families receive guidance backed by real courtroom experience. Attorney Paul E. Bucher spent 20 years as the Waukesha County District Attorney and has litigated some of the most high-profile and complicated cases in the state of Wisconsin. He has handled thousands of cases and understands how prosecutors approach serious decisions involving young defendants.

Call 262-446-9222 to schedule a free consultation with an Ozaukee County, WI juvenile defense lawyer who can answer your questions.