Crime & Safety

Judge Hopes to Give Kids Second Chance

Hatboro District Judge Paul Leo is beginning an alternative sentencing program for people facing summary offenses related to underage drinking.

Original reporting by Theresa Katalinas

Before taking the bench, Hatboro District Judge Paul Leo, the former county coordinator for fatal accidents, saw the tragedies that can go hand-in-hand with alcohol and driving.

In hopes of saving even one life, Leo, who has been a judge for 13.5 years, will begin an alternative sentencing program Saturday for nearly a dozen people facing underage drinking charges.

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“Kids are kids,” Leo said from his Hatboro courtroom. “We know they make mistakes.”

As such, Leo whose district covers all of Hatboro, the bottom one-third of Horsham Township and most of Upper Moreland Township, is working to give people who Leo describes as “good kids” who “just need to get hit upside the head” a second chance.

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Most of the 10 or 11 participants are freshmen in college, or preparing to enter college this fall, he said.

“These citations can really affect their careers,” he said.

With successful completion of a roughly six-hour CPR and first aid class the charges would be dropped and their records would remain clear, according to Leo.

But, best of all, he said the course, led by a YMCA swim instructor, will teach participants how to “help each other” and “force them to be able to learn how to save a life.”

“I think God put us on this earth to help each other,” Leo said. “I’m here to help people.”

The life lessons could come in handy in the event that someone needs to be stabilized until medical professionals can respond, or in instances where someone has overdosed on drugs or alcohol, Leo said.

“If we can save one life or more, it’s worth it,” said Leo, who resides in Upper Moreland Township.

A former Upper Dublin police officer of 28 years, Leo said he’s seen plenty of horrific car crashes and fatalities, many fueled by driving under the influence. His hope is to reach young people early enough to help prevent their involvement in similar crashes. And, should any of those who’ve completed the alternative sentencing come upon a crash with injuries, they would know what to do.

The course, which costs $250 and provides a one-year certification for participants, is far cheaper than the $440 fine and 90-day license suspension that offenders would typically face for a first offense, according to Leo. 

Hopefully, the alternative sentencing is all that’s needed to “get these kids on the right track.”


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