Florida Senate - 2003 SB 72

By Senator Campbell

32-38-03



SENATE SUMMARY

Revises the age at which an offender who is a minor may
be prosecuted and sentenced as an adult when the offender
commits certain violent felonies or an offense punishable
by death or life imprisonment if such offense were
committed by an adult. Requires that an offender 16 years
of age or younger who commits an offense punishable by
death or life imprisonment be committed to the Department
of Juvenile Justice or to a maximum-risk juvenile
facility until the offender is 21 years of age. Requires
a hearing when the offender reaches 21 years of age.
Requires that the offender be placed on conditional
release for at least 10 years if the court finds that the
offender is rehabilitated. If the offender is not
rehabilitated, requires that the offender be sentenced to
life imprisonment with eligibility for parole as an adult
offender.

The new chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee is Senator Alex
Villalobos. He can be reached at

villalobos.alex.web@flsenate.gov 

The other members include:
Senator Rod Smith - smith.rod.web@flsenate.gov 
Senator Hill - hill.anthony.web@flsenate.gov 
Senator Lynn - lynn.evelyn.web@flsenate.gov 
Senator Argenziano - argenzian.nancy.web@flsenate.gov 
Senator Fasano - fasano.mike.web@flseante.gov 


This is the man who is responsible for children in Florida being
charged as adults. He has been quoted in media saying he is very
happy with the law, it works and he has no intention of changing it.
Chairman of Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal Justice: (2nd
committee for SB72)

Senator Victor Crist
District 12
11961 N. Florida Avenue
Suite B
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 975-6658
crist.victor.web@flsenate.gov 


Heres my letter:

Dear Senator Crist,

As a Florida resident I am in full support of Bill 72, sponsored by
Senator Walter G. "Skip" Campbell, Jr. I am proud to see Senator
Campbell step forward concerning this issue.

The majority of the juvenile laws passed during the past 20 years
are based on media hype and Hollywood inspired urban myths. The so-
called reform of the juvenile justice system has its root in police
and prosecutorial frustration with a supreme court ruling in the
1960’s, In Re Gault. That case provided for basic human rights
for children in juvenile court, to insure they were not locked up
until their 21st birthday for minor crimes or because they came from
poor circumstances. Once children obtained the right to counsel and
to sue for poor treatment in juvenile facilities, the media elite in
America became the willing dupes in sensationalistic portrayals of
juvenile offenders, and ultimately in ending the humane treatment of
all children accused of crimes.

Despite media hype about youngsters becoming a super- predator
culture, studies show juvenile crime has steadily declined. The
warnings that scared the public and allowed our lawmakers in Florida
to go overboard for the sake of tourist dollars has now come full
circle due to a call for an International boycott until the laws are
changed.

As a Florida taxpayer and voter, this concerned citizen does not
want anymore of my tax dollars wasted for the purpose of prosecuting
children as adults. The cost of charging and prosecuting children as
adults is extremely expensive in comparison to handling the offenses
in the juvenile system where my tax dollars would be better spent
treating children that desperately need rehabilitation and
treatment. Most of these children will return to society and will be
expected to be responsible citizens not hardened criminals which is
assured through the adult system.

I am asking that you step forward with Senator Campbell and support
SB-72.

Regards


CC: Senator Walter G. "Skip" Campbell, Jr.
CC: Senator Durell Peaden, Jr.
peaden.durell.web@flsenate.gov