"Injustice and Contradictions: Shedding Light on the Texas Juvenile Justice System" BY: QUEEN ANGELA (A TRUE STORY)

 

  BABIES TO ADULTS OVER NIGHT         

In a shocking firsthand account, an individual reveals the disturbing reality of the Texas judicial system and the treatment of juveniles within its walls. At just 16 years old, they found themselves in Camp County Jail, where they were subjected to a demeaning strip search and forced to wear an orange county outfit by a female jailor. The serious nature of their crimes led to interrogation by detectives and subsequent placement in the Longview Juvenile Detention Center.

(THESE ARE NOT THE ACTUAL PEOPLE IN THE ARTICLE)

What followed was a disheartening pattern of injustice. Without their parents' knowledge, the individual's Miranda rights were read by the Camp County Magistrate, setting off a chain of events that would have a profound impact on their life. Despite being represented by an attorney, who had little experience with high-profile cases, they were handed three consecutive life sentences for two capital murders and aggravated robbery.

                                                                    

What sets this case apart, however, is the perceived disproportionality of the sentencing. Other repeat offenders, with extensive criminal backgrounds, were not receiving the same severe punishment. The individual claims they were denied the opportunity to reform their behavior, as alternatives like boot camp or the Texas Youth Commission were not presented to them.

Once transferred to TDCJ, they were thrust into an entirely different world. The Youth Offender Program at the Hilltop Unit in Gatesville, Texas placed them alongside individuals enrolled in the Sex Offender Treatment Program (S.O.T.P). This juxtaposition raises troubling questions about the state's contradictory approach to housing juvenile offenders and adult sex offenders. While society imposes strict restrictions on sex offenders, such as proximity limits from schools and parks, TDCJ seemingly disregards these concerns.

Furthermore, the individual highlights the contradictory treatment of juveniles within the Texas criminal justice system. While juveniles are treated as adults when it comes to sentencing, once incarcerated, they are suddenly treated as children and placed in the Y.O.P. program until they turn 18. This misalignment perpetuates a backward and flawed approach, confusing the individuals involved and undermining the integrity of the judicial system.

Living in prison has forced the individual to quickly adapt, navigating a world filled with dangerous individuals, including child molesters, murderers, and gang members. They have witnessed firsthand how the absence of a supportive family can push juveniles to rely on their prior street knowledge, potentially leading them down unhealthy paths, including engaging in behaviors they never would have considered otherwise.

This personal account sheds light on the deeply flawed aspects of the Texas judicial system and its impact on juvenile offenders. The need for reform is evident, from addressing excessive sentencing to tackling the contradictory treatment of juveniles within the prison system. It is crucial for society to recognize the vulnerable position of young offenders and provide them with adequate opportunities for rehabilitation and growth. Only then can we hope to break the cycle of despair and pave the way for a more just and effective criminal justice system.