Winnebago County Judge Janet Holmgren of met with criminal law students at East High School this morning. She spoke first-hand about the criminal justice system and the stages that lead up to sentencing someone to prison. This lesson in criminal law, sharpens students knowledge of the profession and also teaches them how to make right choices. It's a timely reinforcement for the East student body. The high school had its recent share of disruptions, which has caused some tension with parents and the administration. Judge Holmgren says students must learn to make better decisions or pay for it later.

"Anytime people have information about what potentially can happen to them especially adverse consequences the better that there is a deterrence effect in terms of having that knowledge and then you can make better choices," said Judge Holmgren.

Over the last week, there have been four arrests, two for pulling the fire alarm, one for trying to start a fire in a classroom trash can, and one for throwing a trash can in the cafeteria.