Bill would allow juveniles involved in non-violent pharmacy robberies to be tried as adults
INDIANAPOLIS — State lawmakers are considering a plan that would allow teens to be prosecuted for robbing pharmacies.
Senator Michael Young said the number of pharmacy robberies must be addressed in the new session of legislature, and he believes his bill will help with that.
Right now, unless a juvenile uses a gun or commits bodily injury during a robbery their crime can’t be waived to adult court. But with Sen. Young’s bill, that would change.
“What we’re trying to do is to take away the incentive of these kids who know what they are gonna do very little time and get $1,500 to $2,500 for these robberies,” said Young.
But not everyone agrees with Young. Indiana Black Expo president Tanya Bell thinks juveniles should be tried as juveniles, as long as there was no extreme violence.
“Let the juvenile courts handle it. They are better equipped to handle it. Let them treat them and let them handle it. They do not belong in adult court if they are unarmed and if there is no bodily injury.” said Bell.
In 2015, Indianapolis led the nation in pharmacy robberies. That dropped in 2016, as major chains started installing time-released safes.
Indiana is still second in the country for pharmacy robberies, only California has more.
Filed under: General Problems
Juveniles should be treated as juveniles. And persons whose knowledge and empathy for the inadequate, unintelligent, and inhumane “treatment” of their loved-ones, should not be on trial, as the previously proven, universal definitions for torture have existed for many years.
jmo,,,u know,,i hate people who rob period,.,but,,these are young adults,,meaning below 18,,,to stick this on their record for life,,,,,I don’t know….??????maryw