The Assembly Public Safety Committee today passed Assembly Bill 336 on a vote of 6-0.
Current law allows the judges in juvenile cases wide latitude in the sentencing of juveniles.
Habitual violent offenders can be sentenced and often are to nothing more than probation under parental custody. We re talking about assault, armed robbery and even murder. There is little deterrent when these kids are released to their parents with a slap on the wrist over, and over, and over again, said Assemblyman Pacheco. We need to show them that when they commit serious crimes, they face serious punishment if they keep it up, he added. Assembly Bill 336 would provide that, in cases where a minor commits a felony, and has twice previously been found to have committed a violent a felony, the court shall order the minor to be a ward of the court, and order the minor to be held in physical custody.