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Sentencing May Change for Juvenile Offenders in Ventura County

It seems impossible to think that one mistake in judgment could land your child in prison for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, it’s not only impossible, it’s a real risk that underage criminals in Ventura will face.

In California, it is still possible to sentence a juvenile offender to life in prison without the possibility of parole. For juveniles accused of murder in Ventura, this could mean spending the rest of their lives behind bars for crimes they committed before they were even able to vote.

If this seems extreme, it’s because very few other states still have this law. While juveniles may still be sentenced to life imprisonment, they are still allowed to seek parole. But recent events could cause the California statute to change:

• Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear two appeals cases from prison inmates convicted as teenagers. The juveniles in Alabama and Arkansas were sentenced to life in prison without parole after they were convicted of murder when they were just 14 years old.
• Last year, a Florida teen received a reprieve when the Supreme Court who rejected life without parole for juveniles whose crimes did not include homicide. Without intervention, the teen could have endured a life sentence without parole, even though no one was killed.

As trusted Ventura criminal defense attorneys, we believe it is unreasonable to lock a person away forever for actions committed while he was still a child in the eyes of the law. If the Supreme Court agrees, many teen offenders will be able to seek justice from the parole board, and any future crimes committed by juveniles will not carry the harsh sentence of life without parole.

Until this happens, offenders will still need experienced criminal defense attorneys fighting on their side. At Bamieh & Erickson, we work to get the charges against minor offenders dismissed and argue for minimal sentencing when our clients are facing conviction. We can also get his criminal record sealed when he turns 18, ensuring that your child’s future employment or education is not affected.

If your child is facing a conviction in Ventura, call Bamieh & Erickson today at (805) 643-5555 for a free consultation or order our FREE book, How to Hire a Lawyer in Santa Barbara County.

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