More Juveniles Get Court Over Jail Time

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis officials say the practice of issuing summonses to juveniles accused of minor offenses rather than locking them up can cut down on overcrowding and limit exposure to jail culture.

Since March, Juvenile Court has seen a dramatic drop in the number of juveniles detained, according to Mayor AC Wharton, who explained the effort during a press conference this week.

Juvenile Court Judge Curtis Person said juveniles who are given a summons are still criminally charged and have to appear on their court date.

The Commercial Appeal reported that the effort only applies to certain nonviolent crimes like disorderly conduct, theft under $500, simple assault, gambling, trespass, simple marijuana possession and vandalism under $500.

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Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com