Split sentencing for juveniles
Split sentencing for juveniles
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Split Sentencing for Juveniles
Split sentencing is the type of sentencing normally given to first time offenders where they serve up to half the sentence outside confinement or prison. Even though there is an order for the defendants to spend compulsory time under certain type of confinement, he or she does not serve the entire period of the sentence. In some cases, the judging chamber may suspend part of the sentence and the defender put on probation. While on probation, if the defendant goes against the regulation stipulated for him or her court may decide to order the defendant to serve full sentence or serve them adult punishment (Hess et al, 2010).
An example of split sentencing success is when a teenager for instance, a teenager in high school is found in possession of controlled substance such marijuana or cocaine. During the hearing of his or her case, they willingly plead guilty to the charges and the judging chamber issue convict them to serve two years community service and one month in corrective institution. In the event where the juvenile follows the conditions put in place for him or her without any mischief or post violation and at the end reform, the split sentencing is considered successful. The measurement basis for the success of split sentencing consideration is when the juvenile has fully reformed from his or her wrong doings (Krisberge, 2009).
An example of split sentencing failures is a case where a juvenile is found in possession of a controlled substance for the first time. During the hearing of his or her case, the judge hands his or her split sentencing but in both or either of the following way, he or she breaks the stipulated rules. When he or she does not follow the sentencing requirements, for instance when the juvenile skips or avoid the community service sentence. Another situation of split sentencing failure occurs when the juvenile fully observes and follows the regulations for the sentence but after completing, the sentence goes back to their old way of committing the same crime (Krisberge, 2009).
Based on this research, split sentencing is an effective solution to juvenile problem. This is because there is provision for the juveniles to reform under fair conditions. Giving the defendant the opportunity to reform under fair condition is a noble act. In addition, it acts as an encouragement for the defendants to reform in the event they stand to face adult punishment if they violate the stipulated rules.
I do not agree with the opponents of split sentencing who that feel juvenile offenders issued a split sentence are simply getting off easy. The reason behind supporting split sentencing to juveniles is a noble human act for giving one a golden chance to reform. Some of these juveniles are first time offenders who had no idea of what they got into. Therefore giving them split sentencing is like giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives once again. If a juvenile, who did not have any idea that someone slipped something illegal in his or her school bag is served a full adult sentence then he or she is denied the opportunity to change. When the same juvenile sentencing is a split sentencing then they have the opportunity not only to start again but also to be careful in future not to fall a victim to the same (Krisberge, 2009).
References
Hess, K. M., Orthmann, C. M. H., & Drowns, R. W. (2010). Juvenile justice. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Krisberg, B. (2009). Juvenile justice: Redeeming our children. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Pub.
