The New Orleans City Council votes in favor of a new ordinance that could allow lesser punishment for juveniles.
The new policy would mean officers could give a warning or summons to appear in court instead of arresting young offenders for certain crimes. Officials say this could impact as much as 30% of youth cases.
Offenses that could receive written warnings include simple battery, possession of marijuana and misdemeanor theft.
Copyright © 2017 TTWN Media Networks Inc. Photo: Getty Images