Judge Orders Juveniles Not Be Shackled While In Court

DONA ANA, N.M. – A New Mexico district judge has ordered juveniles to be unshackled while in court.

Friday, the Dona Ana Sheriff’s Office says they don’t think that’s a good idea and are opposing the decision. District Judge Robert Robles ruled juveniles unshackled in the court, but shackled when transported. And now, each juvenile will be brought into the courtroom one by one.

Before, all defendants would be brought into the courtroom at once. The sheriff’s department says the new changes could be dangerous. They say they will abide by the judge’s decision but will seek a change when the legislature meets in January. The new policies go into effect October 1st.

“Believe it or not, this is a weapon, this pen can penetrate your neck. A pencil can penetrate your neck and these are all concerns. They can choke out a person. A lot of damage can be done with one of those pencils. Why do we want to go there? We don’t understand that,” said Chuck Franco.