TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- A new bill could help some juveniles in Florida avoid criminal records.
If passed, it would require law enforcement to issue civil citations for certain misdemeanors instead of an arrest.
Ebony Cargle says juveniles deserve a second chance -- and this bill would help do that.
Avoiding a criminal record is something Cargle wishes was an option for her. She was just a teen when her life changed.
"My intention was not to steal, but I guess, as a 16-year-old, you don't make wise decisions at the time," said Cargle.
She stuffed a shirt in her purse while shopping. police arrested her seconds after she left -- charging her with petty theft, but it started a chain of challenges she never expected.
Cargle said, "I had probation officers come into the school every week. I went to court about three times."
Her record kept her unemployed for six years and almost hindered her education.
"It followed me, even in college. When I went to TCC, I had to do appeals every semester just to explain the situation."
Cargle eventually had her record expunged, but it cost her time and money.
"You kind of feel defeated," she said. "You almost feel like you don't get a second chance."
But a second chance is what Senate Bill 196 proposes. Rather than arresting juveniles, they'd be issued civil citations for 11 types of misdemeanors, including alcohol possession, battery and disorderly conduct.
"When we do prevention in any manner, it cuts back on the original intent, so we need to do that with juveniles," said Emanuel Sapp, a member of the Gadsden County School Advisory Committee.
Attorney Chuck Hobbs said, "It will codify and make sure that some overzealous prosecutor -- maybe in Jacksonville, Miami or Orlando -- won't try to throw the book at some young boy or girl who ultimately might wind up being the next pastor or the next attorney."
"They can still push through. They can still make better choices," said Cargle. "They still have a chance. Life is not over for them."
The bill was filed in the Florida Senate Tuesday, and a companion bill is expected to be filed in the Florida House as well.
