ALAMOGORDO, NM - Is it Justice or Revenge to Sentence Posey as an Adult
Released on = February 14, 2006, 10:30 pm
Press Release Author = Donna Gallegos, Justiceforjuveniles.org
Industry = Law
Press Release Summary = Child advocate groups and concerned citizens nationwide wait to see what New Mexico has planned for convicted teen, Cody Posey.
Press Release Body = New Mexico's crusade against Cody Posey is led by District Attorney Scot Key. If the district attorney gets his wish, Cody could face a minimum of 47 years in adult prison. Advocate groups nationwide point out that one of the most glaring faults in our justice system, is the manner in which children accused of serious crimes are treated from arrest to conviction. Luckily, New Mexico does provide alternatives to the \"adult crime, adult time\" theory of justice. Already a victim of a severe child abuse and infamous due to extreme media coverage, Cody will be a target for every predator in an adult facility and most of New Mexico's youth detention facilities.
As a juvenile, Cody could be held in custody and treated at the Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center. Defense Attorney Gary Mitchell says "Cody has responded very well to treatment for the past two years". Facilities like Sequoyah can focus on his mental and emotional health by creating a plan to ensure that Cody grows to adulthood with minimal damage inflicted by the system.
Cari Barichello, a certified paralegal from Illinois and administrator of advocate group, Justice for Juveniles says "Judge Counts is the only hope left for Cody to get the help and support he needs. Thousands are praying that Judge Counts will stop the abuse Cody has suffered since birth. Don't warehouse him, give him a safe environment. Don't isolate him, give him the counseling and rehabilitation he needs. Don't let the beatings and sexual assaults continue, give him nurturing and love. Mostly, don't treat him as the adult he is not."
Although New Mexico boasts a balance surplus, no facilities or programs have been funded to treat and rehabilitate children convicted as adults. Forensic Document Examiner and child advocate John Osborn says "We no longer can lay claim to the best justice system on earth, because of the stain of our children\'s blood and the stench of vengeance as detected in the words of prosecutors who have lost their sense of fairness when it comes to children. Legislators have exhibited laziness and lack of vision by simply allowing younger and younger children to be moved into the adult criminal arena, rather than revising juvenile laws to protect both society and children accused of crimes."
New Mexico citizens and the nation firmly challenge the legislators in New Mexico, to take quick action and take a look at the Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified by almost 200 nations. We call upon all Human and Civil Rights Organizations to immediately address how children are being judiciously treated in this country. No child under the age of 18 years old should ever be given a life sentence.
Media Contact: Cari Barichello Email: Justiceforjuveniles@yahoo.com http://www.Justiceforjuveniles.org
###
Web Site = http://www.justiceforjuveniles.org
Contact Details = Donna Gallegos 3042 E Olive Rd Pensacola, Florida 32514 850-969-9575
Printer
Friendly Format
Back
to previous page...
Back
to home page...
Submit
your press releases...
|