Many of us could not wait to turn 18 and become an “adult.” But turning that magical age comes with many rights and responsibilities that are very important to know.
Here are a few important ones:
When does a person become an “adult” according to Wisconsin law?
In Wisconsin, you become a legal “adult” at age 18, unless you are under a legal adult guardianship based on disability. However, for criminal law purposes, you will be treated as an adult at age 17. And although at age 18 you are now old enough to join the military, you cannot drink alcohol until you reach the age of 21.
What does it mean to become an “adult” under Wisconsin law?
You have new rights that are associated with being completely independent. You also have new responsibilities and are held personally accountable for your actions.
When I reach age 18, am I automatically given all the rights and privileges of an adult?
The answer in Wisconsin is “yes,” unless you are incarcerated or under a legal adult
guardianship due to disability:
• Guardianships of minors automatically expire when the minor reaches age 18.
• People age 18 and over who are under a legal adult guardianship should consult
with their guardian, attorney, and/or the Court to determine his/her rights under
the guardianship.
• Incarcerated individuals lose many of their rights until they are released. Upon
release, those rights (with some exceptions) are reinstated automatically. You
should consult an attorney or legal action center for specific questions about your
rights.
• As noted above, in Wisconsin the legal drinking age is 21.
What are some of the rights you have after age 18 that you didn’t have before?
If you are a U.S. Citizen, you will now be able to do the following:
• vote in state and local elections, which is further discussed in the Voting Section
of this publication
• participate in jury service
Most people age 18 or older, regardless of citizenship, can generally do the following:
• marry without parental or legal guardian consent
• make a valid will
• work for pay
• obtain a driver’s license (must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or
conditional resident)
• sue in your own name
• make a contract (i.e., rent an apartment, buy a car, take out a loan) in your own
name
• obtain medical treatment without parental consent
• obtain public benefits on your own record (if you are otherwise eligible)
• purchase and possess firearms. All federal and state regulations related to firearms
still apply.
• be completely independent from parental or legal guardian control
• apply for credit in your own name
* People under legal adult guardianship due to disability will need to check with their
guardian, attorney, and/or the Court about their rights.
What are some of the responsibilities I have after age 18 that I didn’t have before?
• Criminal charges will be tried in adult criminal court rather than juvenile court. This begins at age 17. In some circumstances, a person as young as 14 can be “waived” into adult court and treated as an adult for criminal law purposes.
• Supporting yourself financially, as parents/legal guardians are no longer required to do so.
• You may be sued by others on contracts you make.
• You may be sued by others for property damage or bodily injury that you cause (for example, in a car accident that was your fault).
• You’re eligible and required to report for jury duty if you are a U.S. citizen.
When can a person be charged in adult criminal court?
Starting at age 17, if you are arrested for a criminal charge (misdemeanor or felony), you will go to adult criminal court. If found guilty, you can be fined and sent to jail or prison. You will have an adult criminal record. The prosecutor can ask the court for permission to charge a person under age 17 as an adult, under certain circumstances.
If you or a loved one finds themselves in legal trouble, regardless of age, it is important to contact an experienced attorney before it is to late. At Jones Law Firm we can help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation. Please contact us by text or phone at (414) 775-7445 or email at laura@jlfwisconsin.com anytime.
*Any articles in the Libra or posted by Jones Law Firm LLC are not legal advice for a particular client or situation. Further no attorney-client relationship is intended or created with this post.*
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