Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
(405) 521-5698

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2006

Bill Modifies Youthful Offender Act

A measure to modify the Youthful Offender Act passed out of the Senate today. Senate Bill 1760, by Senator Nancy Riley, will automatically charge persons aged fifteen to seventeen as adults if they are charged with first degree murder.

"We're talking about fifteen, sixteen and seventeen year olds who have firmly implanted in their minds what is right and wrong - committing murder," said Riley, R-Tulsa. "And when you're dead, you're dead."

Currently, the courts can do reverse certification for those aged thirteen to seventeen or decide whether to charge them as adults or juveniles. SB 1760 will remove persons aged fifteen to seventeen from under the protection of the Youthful Offender Act so that they are automatically charged as adults in cases of first degree murder.

"I believe the testimony given during the task force meetings this summer showed that these individuals need the consequences of their behavior," continued Riley. "We need to hold them accountable for these unthinkable acts and charge them as adults."

Riley shared that in 2004 seventeen juveniles were convicted of first degree murder yet their sentences were later amended to lesser charges including manslaughter, aggravated assault, accessory to a felony, robbery with a dangerous weapon, murder in the second degree and one case was completely dismissed.
She also noted that 47.1 percent of those seventeen offenders had prior delinquent adjudications.

SB 1760 now moves to the House to be considered in committee.

For more information contact:
Senator Riley's Office - (405) 521-5600