The Reduction Of Juvenile Incarceration

Can reducing juvenile incarceration decrease crime? When it comes to jailing juvenile offenders, the United States incarcerates a disproportional amount of youths compared to other industrialized nations. The juvenile crime rate is higher in the U.S., which tells us simply locking up our youth is not the answer.

There are many different types of detention facilities around the country who claim they are there to reform troubled kids. Statistics show that in most instances reform isn't exactly what is happening. Juveniles are exposed to deplorable conditions and humiliating treatment from staff and other inmates. After enduring this treatment they become conditioned.

Many other industrialized first world nations wouldn't dream of incarcerating their youth. There is still hope for a child. With the right guidance and discipline many, if not, most can be rehabilitated. Building character, trust, and getting to the root of the child's behavior with medical, psychological, and spiritual tutelage are more common practices abroad. In the United States we inhibit those possibilities by suggesting that the child is a criminal and needs to do "hard time." Some studies have revealed an increased propensity for violence among youths as a direct result of juvenile incarceration.

For more extensive information regarding the incarceration of youth, read the Annie E. Casey Foundation's report: The Case For Reducing Juvenile Incarceration: No Place For Kids.

If your child is facing legal action, you are not alone. Act quickly to preserve your child's future by contacting San Jose Juvenile Defense Attorney William Chestnut at (408)298-6990.

Is Your Child Facing Criminal Charges?

If your child has been accused of a crime in the state of California, it is of the utmost importance that you understand how crucial it is to take appropriate measures to ensure that your child's future is not jeopardized. It can be an overwhelming ordeal when the police contact you to tell you they have your child in custody. It's devastating for both the parents and the child. Don't go it alone. Your child's future can be saved or sabotaged simply by words spoken. Enlist in the experience of a knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney who understands the legal wrangling of the juvenile court system and can work with the court to preserve your child's future. It can be the difference between your child attending Penn. State or the State Pen.

Don't bet on the courts being lenient just because your child is young, or because it's their first offense. Often times the courts will prefer to rehabilitate youthful offenders but if there are multiple instances involved, or violent circumstances, the court may find it more advantageous to seek the fullest punishment allowed by law-- without regard who's ‘baby' they're jailing.

Remember that you are not alone in these circumstances. Many youths find themselves in trouble with the law for a myriad of reasons. It's possible that they got mixed up with the wrong crowd. Perhaps it was a momentary poor choice or a lapse in judgement. Many kids straighten up and fly right after a brush with the law. You can bet that the ones who did, did so with the assistance of an experienced Juvenile Defense Attorney. Preserve your child's future by contacting San Jose Juvenile Defense Attorney William Chestnut at (408)298-6990.