TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Aug 19, 2022

Juvenile justice advocates in Shelby County are pushing for a “third way” when it comes to sentencing juveniles, Local Memphis reports. Currently, juveniles are either transferred to adult court, where they face major sentencing for violent crimes, or they are released when they turn age 19 and are no longer under juvenile court jurisdiction. Advocates argue that a “blended sentence” — which would allow juvenile sentences to be extended through age 21 — would offer a better chance of rehabilitation. State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, D-Memphis, said yesterday he will introduce legislation this fall to make the county a pilot program for a blended sentencing program.