AB2408 would prohibit Juvenile Judges and Juvenile Prosecutors from allowing minors who admit to committing an egregious sex crime into the “deferred entry judgment” program.

Under Welfare and Institutions Code section 790, children accused of certain offenses may qualify to participate in deferred entry of judgment if they are both legally eligible and suitable. Upon completion of the program which last from one to three years, the child gets the benefit of having his case dismissed and his record sealed.

According to its author, AB2408 would prohibit Juvenile Judges and Juvenile Prosecutors from allowing minors who admit to committing an egregious sex crime into the deferred entry judgment program.

“AB2408 really is a lifetime glass ceiling and punishment for these kids,” stated Los Angeles Juvenile Attorney George Kita. “Many of these allegations involve situations where the alleged victim is a family member and the minor charged lacks the maturity level that adults have. It really defeats the purpose of juvenile court which is rehabilitation. Why would you tie the hands of the courts, probation and prosecutors?”

AB2410 also addresses would prohibit a victim’s home phone and address from being disclosed to a sexually violent predator and AB2409 would allow prosecutors and other state agencies to look at all prior sex crimes committed as a juvenile.