In Re Bolden

Willie Bolden, the petitioner, was arrested on October 18, 1977 for the offense of first degree burglary, which he had allegedly committed earlier that morning. The Tuscaloosa County Grand Jury indicted Bolden on November 4, 1977, and he was arraigned on November 9. At the time of the alleged offense, and at his indictment and arraignment, Bolden was seventeen years of age.

Beginning January 1, 1978 the age below which individuals are entitled to treatment as juveniles was raised from seventeen to eighteen. Section 12-15-1 (3)(b), Code of Alabama 1975. Since Bolden was still seventeen,1 he…