Sentencing Reform for Juvenile Offenders to Become Law in Illinois

 Posted on November 09, 2023 in Uncategorized

In theory, the juvenile justice system in the U.S. seeks not to punish juvenile offenders but to rehabilitate them and to minimize the likelihood that they will end up facing charges for criminal wrongdoing as adults. This is not always how the system works in practice. However, this is the goal of most individuals who work within it. As a result, the recent Illinois legislature’s passage of a sentencing reform bill targeted at certain alleged juvenile offenders has been greeted by many as a step in the right direction.

House Bill 3414

Currently, judges who preside over juvenile criminal justice matters in Illinois are empowered to consider a minor’s maturity, age, and potential for rehabilitation during sentencing for a conviction. House Bill 3414 – which passed 67-40 in the House and 33-20 in the Senate – would allow judges to use greater discernment when sentencing any victim of child sex trafficking in the wake of a conviction for certain crimes. Specifically, judges would be required, not just empowered, to consider factors – including the following – when sentencing these juveniles:

• The minor’s history of sexual exploitation
• Any prior involvement in the welfare system
• Mental health evaluations
• Any history of experiencing domestic abuse

These new sentencing requirements must be utilized when a victim of child sex trafficking is being sentenced for wrongdoing committed against an individual who has previously been convicted of sex offenses involving minors. 

Connect with a Joliet, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are the parent or guardian of a minor who has been accused of criminal wrongdoing, it is critically important to treat that situation with the seriousness it deserves. Although the theoretical aim of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation – not punishment – the realities of a criminal conviction for a juvenile can be exceedingly grim. As a result, you will want to give your child the best possible opportunity to present a solid defense to the charges they are facing.

While no ethical Will County, IL criminal defense lawyer can guarantee the outcome of any case, the reputation of The Law Office of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. speaks for itself. Once attorney Jack L. Zaremba has been alerted to your child’s circumstances, he can start advocating aggressively on behalf of their interests. To schedule a risk-free, confidential case evaluation, call (815) 740-4025 now. 

Source: 

https://www.wifr.com/2023/05/11/illinois-lawmakers-pass-criminal-sentencing-reform-minors/