The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled prior juvenile convictions cannot be used to increase the severity of charges or the length of prison sentences those individuals receive as adults. The justices say treating cases from juvenile court as prior convictions for adult-sentencing purposes is unconstitutional and "fundamentally unfair." The court says juvenile proceedings are civil proceedings designed to protect the development of those under age 18 while they are rehabilitated. Adult felony sentences are intended to protect the public and punish offenders.
SUPCO Says Juvenile Convictions Can't Be Used In Adult Cases
