Minnesota § 609.055 - CAPABILITY OF CHILDREN TO COMMIT CRIME
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.055 — CAPABILITY OF CHILDREN TO COMMIT CRIME, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.055. CAPABILITY OF CHILDREN TO COMMIT CRIME
Subdivision 1.General rule.
Children under the age of 14 years are incapable of committing crime.
Subd. 2.Adult prosecution.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), children of the age of 14 years or over but under 18 years may be prosecuted for a felony offense if the alleged violation is duly certified for prosecution under the laws and court procedures controlling adult criminal violations or may be designated an extended jurisdiction juvenile in accordance with the provisions of chapter 260B. A child who is 16 years of age or older but under 18 years of age is capable of committing a crime and may be prosecuted for a felony if:
(1) the child has been previously certified on a felony charge pursuant to a hearing under section 260B.125, subdivision 2, or pursuant to the waiver of the right to such a hearing, or prosecuted pursuant to this subdivision; and
(2) the child was convicted of the felony offense or offenses for which the child was prosecuted or of a lesser included felony offense.
(b) A child who is alleged to have committed murder in the first degree after becoming 16 years of age is capable of committing a crime and may be prosecuted for the felony. This paragraph does not apply to a child alleged to have committed attempted murder in the first degree after becoming 16 years of age.
History:
1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.055; 1992 c 571 art 7 s 12; 1994 c 576 s 45; 1995 c 226 art 3 s 47; 1999 c 139 art 4 s 2
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.055
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.055 cover?
Section 609.055 ("CAPABILITY OF CHILDREN TO COMMIT CRIME") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 609.055?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.055" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 609.055 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.