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Maihnia Lee, 22, Fresno
Citizens should be imprisoned when they have caused physical harm to another person, with the severity of the sentence contingent on the severity of the crime. Petty crimes are any crimes that do not directly harm individuals. These should be penalized with fines and community service.
Asia Navarro, 17, Merced
Crimes that deserve jail are serious things, like DUI’s, especially if they hit or kill someone, and murder, even if they… were part of it, they still deserve to go [to prison]. Also, fraud cases that take lots of money from people or companies. Abusive people who are constantly violent to their partners and risking their lives should also be jailed.
I consider petty offenses to be things like small time drug dealing or drug abuse. They’re not really harming anyone but themselves — they’re sick! Also speeding or when people steal cars for joyriding or, as they say, “G riding.” We should handle these offenses by sending people to rehab or anger management or some other kind of therapy. It would be more useful than just sending them to jail because often times people come out worse.
Jane Carretero, 16, Fresno
I believe people should be locked up when they pose a harm to the community or they cause damage or harm to someone in the community. Petty crime [offenders] should be sentenced to community hours.
Karina, 20, Fresno
In order to get locked up, the crime should present a life endangerment to those around them, be it physically or mentally. Criminal offenses that do not present violent actions or life endangerment towards others don’t warrant jail time, but rather fines, community service and probation.
Bryson Rule, 18, Merced
Intention to murder, gang violence, drug abuse, hate crimes and any crimes that intentionally hurt another person mentally or physically — these crimes deserve jail in my opinion. Theft without murder or injury, accidental murder and self defense — these are things I would consider petty offenses. We as a society should do a better job of supporting youth who go through these things and provide some sort of therapy for them, perhaps along with a fine.
Sarah Vang, 16, Fresno
In order to get locked up the crimes should be rape, murder, treason, kidnapping, and larceny. Hurting someone and causing pain should get you locked up. The discipline for a petty crime should be jail for a small amount of time, or community service.
Asia Foster, 15, Fresno
I think it is only appropriate to imprison someone when they have committed murder or attempted a very serious crime. A petty crime would include stealing from a corner store. Society should identify these people and stay away from them.
Fernando Flores Duran, 15, Fresno
My uncle has served two years for an alcohol charge. Prison should only be used when someone kills or plans to kill others, and petty crimes shouldn’t be punished by more than 6 months in jail.
Cierra Thrower, 15, Fresno
I think you should get locked up for murder, rape and child molestation. Stealing is petty and society should warn them and get them to stop.
