PleadThe8th Advocates for Juvenile Justice Reform with SB930 Filing 

Tallahassee, FL, December 13, 2023 – PleadThe8th, an advocate for juvenile justice reform, announces its instrumental role in the filing of Senate Bill 930 (SB930), a significant step towards addressing the long-standing inequities in Florida's juvenile justice system. This bill, filed by Senator Geraldine Thompson, represents a crucial effort to reform the problematic statute §921.1402, enacted in 2014 in response to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases Graham v. Florida and Miller v. Alabama.

Since its enactment, §921.1402 has been mired in ambiguity and inconsistent application, leading to a lack of uniformity in juvenile sentencing and reviews. PleadThe8th's advocacy efforts have been central to highlighting these disparities, particularly the significant changes in sentencing practices pre-and post-2014. The data uncovered by PleadThe8th reveals a stark contrast in sentencing lengths during these periods, raising serious concerns about the proportionality and fairness of juvenile sentencing in Florida.

SB930 aims to rectify these issues by ensuring equitable treatment for all juveniles, regardless of their offense date. The bill proposes several key aspects:

1. Expanding eligibility for sentence reviews to include non-homicide offenses.

2. Adjusting review criteria to reflect current sentencing practices.

3. Addressing prolonged judicial delays and reversals in sentence reviews.

4. Clarifying legislative intent to prevent future ambiguities in the application of juvenile sentencing laws.

PleadThe8th has been at the forefront of advocating for this legislative change, working tirelessly to bring attention to the urgent need for reform. "Our efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that juvenile justice in Florida is administered fairly and justly," said Jessica Richardson, founder of PleadThe8th. "SB930 is not just a bill; it’s hope for many young lives that have been disproportionately affected by an inequitable system."

PleadThe8th urges lawmakers, community leaders, and the public to support SB930. This bill represents a critical step towards a more just and equitable juvenile justice system in Florida, one that recognizes the potential for rehabilitation and growth in our youth.

To learn more about PleadThe8th and its mission to bring about criminal justice reform, visit www.pleadthe8th.com.

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PleadThe8th is a nonprofit organization committed to driving meaningful change within the realm of criminal justice reform, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges of youth incarceration.