When someone under 18 commits a crime, the legal system recognizes that they are different from adults. Juvenile court exists for a reason: children and teens are still developing, and the focus is rehabilitation rather than punishment.

But what happens when someone is just over that line—18 or 19 years old—and faces the same harsh penalties as a fully mature adult?

That question is at the center of a growing legal debate, and a recent Wyoming Supreme Court case highlights why this issue matters.

How Juvenile Cases Are Different

In most jurisdictions, prosecutors have discretion to charge a person as a juvenile or an adult when the defendant is under 18. Juvenile proceedings are confidential, stay off a permanent criminal record, and focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

The law recognizes that juveniles:

• Are developmentally different from adults
• Have less impulse control
• Are more susceptible to peer pressure
• Have a greater capacity for change

Because of this, juveniles often face reduced penalties and different sentencing standards.

The Problem With the Age Cutoff

In the Wyoming case discussed in the video, a defendant was 19 years old when he committed a crime involving first-degree murder. He was convicted as an adult and sentenced to life without parole.

Other individuals involved in the same crime were juveniles and faced drastically different consequences.

The difference? A matter of months.

At 19, the defendant was no longer legally a juvenile—even though science shows that brain development continues well into a person’s mid-20s.

Brain Development and the Law

Modern research confirms what many people intuitively understand: the human brain, particularly the areas responsible for judgment, impulse control, and decision-making, does not fully develop until around age 25.

Courts are increasingly being asked to consider whether young adults between 18 and 20 should receive additional protections under the law—especially when facing extreme sentences like life without parole.

Constitutional Protections at Issue

The legal arguments in this case rely on two key constitutional principles:

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Under both the U.S. Constitution and the Wyoming Constitution, punishments that are excessively harsh may violate protections against cruel and unusual punishment—particularly when applied to young defendants.

Equal Protection Under the 14th Amendment

Age is considered a protected class in certain legal contexts. The argument is that treating a 19-year-old exactly the same as a fully mature adult—without considering developmental differences—may raise serious fairness concerns.

What the Wyoming Supreme Court Said

The Wyoming Supreme Court did not definitively rule that sentencing young adults to life without parole is unconstitutional. However, the court opened the door for further legal challenges.

Specifically, the court suggested that:

• The issue could be reconsidered under the Wyoming Constitution
• Additional arguments under the 14th Amendment may apply
• There may be circumstances where a sentence should be reduced or reconsidered based on a defendant’s age and development

In other words, the court acknowledged that this is an unresolved issue—and one that deserves closer examination.

Why This Matters for Families and Defendants

If you or your child is between 18 and 20 years old and facing criminal charges, the stakes are incredibly high. A conviction can result in lifelong consequences, even when the individual is still developmentally closer to a juvenile than an adult.

Understanding these evolving legal arguments can make a critical difference in:

• Sentencing outcomes
• Appeals
• Constitutional challenges
• Opportunities for rehabilitation instead of permanent punishment

Get Help From a Criminal Defense Team That Knows the Law

At Just Criminal Law, we stay on the front lines of legal developments that impact young defendants. We understand that one mistake—especially at a young age—should not automatically mean a lifetime behind bars.

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, we’re here to help. You can call, text, or chat with our team anytime, day or night.