AUSTIN, Texas —
A new law in Texas aims to keep at-risk young people out of the juvenile justice system.
House Bill 3186 will allow courts to refer at-risk youth to crime diversion programs before they have been convicted of certain crimes.
Before the new law, minors charged with Class C misdemeanors had to go through the court system and be convicted or processed before they could be sent to a diversion program. Class C misdemeanors include things like curfew violations, underage drinking or possession of drug equipment or accessories.
The new law allows justices and municipal courts to refer certain children and teens who qualify to be kept out of the system and sent straight to one of the programs.
Camille Quinn, an associate professor of community engagement at the University of Michigan, studies juveniles in the legal system.
"It would open up many doors for them because they would not have that misdemeanor offense hanging over their head," Quinn said.
She said once a young person touches the criminal justice system, it's hard for them to get away from it. This new law can help reduce that.
"We love 'Law and Order.' The shows, for the most part, are always, the cases are wrapped up nicely. Sometimes, they're not so nice, but for the most part, they're wrapped up pretty nicely. It is not like that in real life," Quinn said. "It really, once you touch that legal system, it's very difficult to get un-ensnared."
She said diversion programs can help with things like finishing school, getting a job or offering mental health resources.
"Here, you would have individuals who would not be held hostage to that misdemeanor charge or conviction. They would have an opportunity to engage in a program that could provide them with skills, a trade," Quinn said.
She said it will be interesting to follow up with the law and see how often places are using it and the impact that it has.