On June 10, 2023, my baby brother's life was tragically cut short. He fell victim to gun violence at the hands of a seventeen-year-old juvenile. This young offender, like many others in Cincinnati, OH, are well aware that his record would not follow him into adulthood due to our current laws and the lack of space in our detention centers. This has created an environment where juveniles can commit serious crimes without facing significant consequences or having their actions reflect on their adult records.

This is not just about my family's loss; it is about justice and public safety. The character of an individual committing a crime should be transparent regardless of age when charged as an adult for serious offenses. Currently, these records are kept confidential which often results in repeat offenders being released back into society without any real consequence or rehabilitation.

According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), nearly 80% of youth released from custody were rearrested within three years. This statistic highlights the urgent need for reform in how we handle juvenile offenders charged as adults.

We urge lawmakers in Cincinnati and across Ohio to amend current legislation so that when a juvenile is charged as an adult for a serious crime, their record becomes part of the public domain. By doing so we can ensure transparency and accountability while also providing valuable information that could potentially prevent future tragedies like ours from happening again.

Please sign this petition if you believe in justice and want safer communities for all Ohio residents.

Thank You