As legislators, we like to think of Michigan as a forward-thinking state. In many areas of state law, this is true. However, one area that is firmly rooted in outdated ideals and practices is our method of charging and sentencing youthful offenders. Currently, Michigan is one of only nine states that automatically charges and prosecutes 17-year-olds as adults.

Numerous studies have indicated that incarcerating youth in adult prisons actually increases the likelihood they will commit violent crimes upon their release. We need to ensure we are effectively rehabilitating youthful offenders and not simply warehousing them in prison.

Two of the most important duties of state legislators are to protect public safety and effectively oversee public expenditures. It is our opinion that our youthful offender laws as written accomplish neither of these goals. That is why we, along with over 30 of our colleagues in the House and Senate, have banded together to call for reform of our criminal justice system.

We are the lead sponsors of a 21-bill, bipartisan, bicameral package aimed at raising the cutoff for juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 to 18 years of age. The package enjoys the support of 15 primary sponsors and a growing list of co-sponsors as well as non-governmental organizations such as the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency (MCCD).

For more on this article by Representatives Reps. Harvey Santana and Peter Lucido, please see this link: http://www.detroitnews.com/sto...sentencing/74253252/