Two 13-Year-Old Girls Are Being Tried As Adults. Here's Why That Matters.

On Monday, a Wisconsin judge ruled that the two 13-year-old girls accused of attempting to murder a classmate to impress fictional Internet character Slender Man will be tried as adults.

The teens face dramatically different treatment because of the judge's decision. Children tried as adults face longer sentences and fewer resources while incarcerated, and they're more likely to be assaulted in adult prisons than juvenile facilities.

If convicted in juvenile court, the 13-year-olds would have faced detention until the age of 18, followed by intense supervision and services when released back into their communities. In adult court, they face up to 65 years in prison. They may also be sentenced to a combination of prison and extended supervision under the Department of Corrections.

#patent #trademark