Children as young as 10 could potentially go to court for auto thefts and handgun violations, under one proposal key Democratic lawmakers detailed this week and plan to push for in coming weeks.
The lawmakers propose giving Juvenile Services officers the option to route a young person’s case to court if the child is 10 to 13 years of age and accused of these or other crimes – adding them to the list of serious offenses that already can land a young person before a judge.
The proposals are meant to promote collaboration and make the system work more smoothly, Democratic officials said.
“Right now, juvenile offenders and the services and accountability they need are separated by an abundance of confusion,” said House Speaker Adrienne Jones, D-Baltimore County. “Egos, political agendas and arguments over process have filled the gaps.”
There must be “accountability for adults in the system, who are charged with administering the system,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson, D-Baltimore City. “We must ensure that all parts are working to their highest potential.”