Michigan Supreme Court Strikes Mandatory Life Offenses for 18, 19-year-olds

Michigan Supreme Court Strikes Down Mandatory Life Without Parole for Young Adults

Headline: In a landmark decision delivered this spring, the Michigan Supreme Court declared mandatory life sentences without parole for 19- and 20-year-olds unconstitutional—redefining sentencing for young adult offenders.

🔍 What Happened?

• On April 25, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court, in a narrow 5–2 vote, ruled that imposing life-without-parole sentences on individuals aged 19 and 20 for murder violates Article 1, Section 16 of the Michigan Constitution—which forbids “cruel or unusual punishment” statecourtreport.org+1apnews.com+1.

• This expands an earlier 2022 decision shielding 18-year-olds, acknowledging modern developmental science that shows 19– and 20-year-olds share key brain characteristics with juveniles statecourtreport.org+1apnews.com+1.

• The ruling applies retroactively—coupled appeals for Montario Taylor and Andrew Czarnecki, convicted at ages 20 and 19, led directly to this outcome aclumich.org+2apnews.com+2statecourtreport.org+2.

⚖️ Why It Matters for Criminal Defense

1. Sentencing Discretion: Judges can no longer impose automatic, mandatory life sentences for this age group—they must now weigh factors like maturity, potential for rehabilitation, and mitigating circumstances.

2. Retroactive Relief: Clients previously sentenced to life with no chance of parole at 19–20 now have grounds to seek resentencing or parole hearings. Defense attorneys can vigorously pursue relief motion based on this precedent.

3. Alignment with Neuroscience: Building on U.S. Supreme Court precedent (e.g., Miller v. Alabama), Michigan’s highest court emphasized that neurological science demands individualized sentencing justice for young adults apnews.comstatecourtreport.org.

🛡️ Attorney Strategies Moving Forward

• Review Client Age at Offense: Confirm if your client was 19 or 20 at the time of their crime. If so, analyze whether their sentence included mandatory life-without-parole.

• File Post-Conviction Motions: Use this ruling to reopen cases—either for resentencing or post-conviction relief.

• Highlight Youth Factors: Prepare arguments emphasizing developmental immaturity, mental health, family dynamics, and community potential.

• Leverage Retroactivity: This applies to all eligible cases—not just recent ones. Coordinate with impacted clients and guardians to explore relief opportunities.

• Educate the Court: Share the court’s emphasis on neuroscience and fairness. Some judges may not yet be familiar with the new rule.