His proposed plea agreement offers the possibility of being sentenced under the state’s dual-jurisdiction program or receiving a prison sentence that would be no more than 15 years.

To be considered for the dual-jurisdiction program, the youth must be younger than 17. White will reach that age in December.

The state’s Division of Youth Services will assess whether White qualifies for dual jurisdiction, a program that enables juveniles to receive education, vocational training and various forms of counseling, all of which would not be available in adult prison. If they are able to complete the program successfully, the court may choose to release them on probation. If not, the court may order the adult prison sentence imposed.

Participating youths may not remain in the dual-jurisdiction program past their 21st birthday, according to the Division of Youth Services.

Sentencing

Thomas White is scheduled to be sentenced during a hearing that starts at 1 p.m. Sept. 4.