Juvenile

Community Activists Rally for Juvenile Justice Reform as Teen Crime Surges in Charlotte

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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Community activists in Charlotte are calling for a reassessment of juvenile charging laws in the wake of a recent increase in teen crimes. The demand comes after a vigil was held in west Charlotte to commemorate a senior from Myers Park High School who was fatally shot at a house party. While law enforcement sources suggest the shooting was accidental, the tragedy highlights the need for action. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s annual crime report, there has been a surge in juvenile crime in the area. In response, local organization … Read more

Victim’s Mother Calls for Action on Juvenile Law Reform in Maryland

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Baltimore, Maryland – As the 2024 Maryland legislative session gears up to begin this week, the focus is turning to the need for juvenile law reform. This comes in the wake of the devastating Brooklyn Day mass shooting that took place last year, which many consider to be the city’s largest mass shooting in history. One of the victims of the Brooklyn Day shooting was 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez, whose mother, Krystal Gonzalez, has been a vocal advocate for change. Krystal believes that the current juvenile laws are inadequate and in need of serious revision. She … Read more

Maryland’s Legislative Session Puts Spotlight on Urgent Reforms for Juvenile Crime Laws

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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland — As Maryland’s legislative session approaches, the focus on juvenile crime law reform becomes increasingly urgent. The state, and particularly Baltimore City, has been grappling with a surge in juvenile crime, leaving lawmakers under intense scrutiny to address the issue. One tragic incident that highlights the need for reform is the mass shooting that occurred during the annual block party known as “Brooklyn Day” in Baltimore’s Brooklyn Homes neighborhood on July 2, 2023. Eighteen-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez lost her life in the shooting, yet none of the arrested teenagers have been charged. Krystal Gonzalez, … Read more

Retiring Ohio Judge Shares Inspiring Stories of Transformation in Juvenile Court

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Cindi Morehart, a retired judge from Franklin County in Ohio, is bidding farewell to the judicial system after a long and successful career, with the majority of her time spent in juvenile court. Throughout her years on the bench, Morehart has emphasized the importance of addressing mental health concerns in the justice system. Morehart’s journey in the legal field started as an art teacher in juvenile prison before she pursued law school at the age of 35. She then went on to work as a city and county prosecutor before eventually becoming … Read more