Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Juvenile Sentencing Laws

I am an avocate for juvenile justice and believe that rehabilitation would be more beneficial then incarceration. California recently past the Juvenile Crime Initiative Statute which would allow prosecutors more latitude in prosecuting youths in adult courts. My concern is that this statute will become another "Three Strikes" senario and will convict juveniles unjustly puting them in the state prison system. I would appreciate some insight regarding this new law and the consequences to our youths regarding the passage of this statute.


Asked on 3/12/00, 11:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Sitkoff Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP

Re: Juvenile Sentencing Laws

The new law will grant prosecutors immense discretion in regards to whether a juvenile offender will be charged as an adult. In the past a hearing would take place and a judicial determination would be made regarding where the youth would be tried. The impact is likely to be a lot more youths being tried as adults.

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Answered on 3/25/00, 5:07 pm


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