TAMPA, Fla. — For the second time in 18 months, Hillsborough County is broadening a program that allows alternative sentencing for misdemeanor crimes.
- Juvenile Arrest Avoidance Program will cover about 200 misdemeanors
- Domestic violence, assault on officers or school employees, DUI charges not eligible
- More Hillsborough County stories
“We all share this common goal of doing everything we can to keep our community's children out of the criminal justice system,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister Monday at a news conference. “This expansion further enhances opportunities for juvenile first-time offenders in Hillsborough County to have meaningful sanctions without creating a criminal record that could destroy their future.”
The Juvenile Arrest Avoidance Program would cover about 200 misdemeanor charges. Counseling and community service would be alternative options for sentencing in cases involving first-time offenders facing those charges.
State Attorney Andrew Warren, who attended the press conference along with local police chiefs, touted support for the program he says will benefit everyone.
“There's no dispute that there are disparities in our criminal justice system,” Warren said. “So when we have a program like this that benefits people across the board, it helps address some of those disparities, as well.”
Carlos Valdez, executive director of AMI Kids Tampa, a school with a diversionary curriculum that works with at-risk middle and high school students, is a strong advocate for alternative sentencing.
“It's not about doing the time,” Valdez said. “It's about really digging into our kids and giving them the resources that they need."
Juveniles charged with domestic violence, assault on an officer or school employee, driving under the influence or racing will not qualify for JAAP sentencing guidelines.