In a previous blog entry I wrote about the fact that juvenile arrests are not confidential. Recently, in Pasco County, Florida, two teenagers were arrested for attempted murder, sexual assault and burglary. The victim is 89 years old. A horrendous crime by all accounts. But to prove my point, watch this video from Fox News which shows the 14 and 15 year old suspects in court.
It is interesting to watch the suspects reactions on the news clip. Clearly, they don't have a clue as to how much trouble they are potentially in, or what is going on. It would be interesting to know whether or not they have ever been in a courtroom, have a prior record, or understand their rights. Most adults don't understand the legal process, much less children.
What will happen to these teenage boys if they are convicted?
First, they were charged as adults, not as juveniles, so they can be sentenced as adults to regular state prison in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Second, the crimes they are charged with carry life prison terms. So potentially they could be sentenced to a life sentence in adult prison. But they also might be sentenced back to juvenile court to receive their sentence there and go into a commitment program with the Florida Department Juvenile Justice. Or, they might receive a lesser adult sentence. Or they may never be convicted at all if the cops didn't do their job correctly. Stay tuned.
