United States v. Maestas

ORDER

MECHEM, District Judge.

On September 7, 1974, Public Law 93-415 became effective. Title V amends the former Juvenile Delinquency Act at 18 U.S.C. § 5031 et seq. The question presented here is whether the new Act applies to the pending prosecution against defendant Chavez.

Chavez, age 14, was indicted on August 2, 1974, and charged with rape and murder. These charges precluded his being treated as a juvenile under the former § 5031. The new Act, however, re-defines juvenile delinquency to include crimes punishable by capital and life sentences. Section 5032 requires that Frankie Chavez be…