
9-Year-Old Boy Who Stabbed 5-Year-Old Sister in Ocala Likely Won’t Be Tried as Adult, Former Judge Says
A 9-year-old boy had his first appearance in court Tuesday morning for allegedly stabbing his 5-year-old sister multiple times Monday afternoon, according to the Ocala Police Department.
Former judge Belvin Perry believes…

Juvenile Transfer Reform In-Person Training in Daytona Beach
Join the No Place for a Child Coalition to learn more about reforming the system that transfers children into adult courts and prisons. ***LUNCH AND A LIGHT BREAKFAST WILL BE PROVIDED***
RSVP.

This Week in the Florida Legislature, January 7-11
This week, the House Criminal Justice Committee held their inaugural meetings for the 2018 Legislative Session. The meeting began with a presentation on juvenile civil citation and direct file by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ),…

FREE Keep Kids Learning Webinar: Advocating for Youth Charge as Adults – November 27, 6:00 PM
KEEP KIDS LEARNING WEBINAR: ADVOCATING FOR YOUTH CHARGED AS ADULTS
On Tuesday, November 27 join us for a webinar examining the issue of youth charged as adults. You'll learn key ways you can engage in reform efforts and advocate for youth…

New Report Says Florida Prosecutes More Children in the Adult Criminal Justice System Than Any Other State
According to a new study that looks at how many American teenagers are serving time in in adult jails, a full 60 percent of the youths serving life without parole sentences for a non-homicidal crime are from Florida.
That’s the most of…

FREE Webinar: The Changing Landscape of Age of Criminal Responsibility Policies in the U.S. and the Steps States are Taking To Prepare for and Implement Policy Changes – September 19 at 1 PM
Since 2016, five states have successfully passed legislation to raise the age of criminal responsibility, leaving only four states with an age of criminal responsibility set at younger than 18 years of age. In this webinar, participants will…

Winter Park Teens Sentenced in Roger Trindade Case – WESH 2 News
Two Winter Park teenagers convicted of manslaughter in the beating death of 15-year-old Roger Trindade were sentenced on Monday.
Simeon Hall and Jesse Sutherland will serve about a year in a high-risk juvenile program.
The average amount…

Judge Takes Adult Prison Off the Table for Teens Convicted of Killing Winter Park Student – WFTV 9
A judge has taken an adult sentence off the table for two teenagers convicted of beating a 15-year-old boy to death, indicating the teens could avoid serving time in an adult prison.
Read more and watch.

Gwen Graham Wants Limits on Charging Juveniles as Adults as Part of Justice Reform Plan – The Orlando Sentinel
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham has announced that her justice form plan includes limiting prosecutors' discretion to charge juveniles in adult court. Read more.

State to Prosecute Kennedy Middle School Student as an Adult – The Brevard Times
A 16-year-old student at Kennedy Middle School is being charged as an adult for bringing a firearm to school. Read more.

Florida Holds Highest Rate of Juveniles in Adult Prison – Santa Rosa’s Press Gazette
Data from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) reveals that Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties have the highest rate of direct-filed juveniles in the state. Read more.

Fernandez Case Highlights the Long-Term Implications of Incarcerating Youthful Offenders – The Florida Times-Union
After serving nearly seven years for the death of his younger brother, 19-year-old Cristian Fernandez will face many obstacles once released back into society. Read more.
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