TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 16, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Florida Families for Fair Sentences (FFFS) is concerned about the imposition of mandatory sentencing on Florida's kids. Eileen Sottile, FFFS President, stated that "I'm very concerned about the fact that children who are caught up in the legal system in Florida may face unfair sentences which are forced upon them, with no consideration for the facts of a case or an individual's circumstance."
"We shouldn't so easily toss our kids away to a life behind bars when they have made a mistake in their youth. The circumstances of a crime and the actions of those accused do matter and the punishment must fit the crime," Sottile said.
Sottile of the FFFS believes that due to the imposition of mandatory sentencing in Florida, the judges no longer control sentences. Judges are forced in some cases to levy a cruel and unjust sentence because of the requirements of the law. Prosecutors have ultimate power by determining the charge, which can carry a mandatory sentence and the judge is powerless. The judge is not able to consider the facts of each case and the individual's role. The charge determines if the sentence is mandatory.
A 2003 study by Peter D. Hart Research Associates indicated the public wants to see this practice reformed. As many 56 percent of adults favor elimination of mandatory sentencing laws in favor of letting judges choose the appropriate sentences to suit the crime. FFFS believes that mandatory sentencing is anti-family and is especially harmful to child criminals.
The group supports a recent bill introduced by Senator Geller of Florida and commends him for his long history and dedication to the cause of reforming youthful offender laws. FFFS urges support of S152, which would allow parole for juveniles serving a sentence of life or more than 10 years in prison. The bill has been introduced for the 2007 session in Tallahassee. "This is a good first step and so much more needs to be done," Sottile said. FFFS would like to see the bill amended to include a chance for parole to kids up to the age of eighteen.
According to Sottile, "We shouldn't just throw our kids away to serve mandatory sentences. We can do a better job of taking care of the youth of our state with alternative sentences and creative thinking. They should have some hope for a future and can be rehabilitated."
The Florida Families for Fair Sentences logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3368