Even so, other parents have complained that teens have been falsely accused of being gang members by law enforcement officials and specifically by the county task force on gangs, which makes regular sweeps. Now, Moore says, parents are starting to connect with each other over many of these issues. Santa Rosa attorney Marylou Hillberg, who practices juvenile law, says the law has become more stringent over the last 10 years, with more focus on punishment than rehabilitation. Kids should know their rights, she says. Also, kids have fewer rights than adults about being stopped in the street because of curfew laws in some towns.
Police are free to lie to kids to get statements.
Hillberg says that because people tend to be frightened of teenagers, especially in groups, merchants in many towns have complained that youths intimidate their customers. Parents also suspect teens are being targeted, specifically in areas that are undergoing developments and makeovers because of business interests. Parents say deputies have told kids they couldn't gather in groups of more than three. He adds that he is satisfied with the department's handling of teen-law enforcement. Not every violation necessitates a ticket.