When a baseball analogy proves to be a poor basis for crime prevention

I spent last Friday talking to the youth in SMJH about three strikes and life sentences. I went almost an hour over time, because they were so into it. I made a decision ahead of time not to dumb it down for them but to really go into the intricacies of the law as well as its history. I did the same for life sentences, and I could tell it was information that they hadn't heard before and considered very important.

In other news I have a 707(b) reduction hearing Wednesday morning so I won't see ya'll in class. A 707(b) crime is a strike-able offense that even when commited asa juvenile prevents your criminal record from ever being sealed. About 8 months ago attorneys I was working with and I found a method to petition the courts to reduce one of these offenses after which we can file to have it sealed. The individual in question hasn't had so much as speeding ticket since her offense (about 6 years ago) nor had she ever been in trouble prior. Hopefully we can make a stronger case than the D.A. and give her a chance to have a record that reflects the person she is now.

Wish me luck.

My Q's for the week:


1. Why do so few cases actually go to trial despite the fact that everyone has the right to one?

2. How come under California law everyone has a right to a "speedy trial" and yet most people go months or even years before their case is resolved?

3. In California, Juveniles who are found "delinquent" when it comes to crimes rather than guilty. Why do you think this difference between the adult system and the juvenile system exits?