The court has made a decision regarding a couple who were arrested in connection with the theft of 16 cellphones during the carnival festivities in Florianópolis. The ruling, made during a custody hearing, mandated that the couple be allowed to return to their home state of Rio Grande do Sul instead of remaining in custody. This decision comes as part of the legal provisions in Brazil's Criminal Procedure Code, which allows judges to impose cautionary measures as alternatives to imprisonment. Legal experts have noted that while this decision is unusual, it is supported by the law.

The couple was apprehended alongside two others – another male suspect and a 16-year-old girl – who are also implicated in the same crimes. During the court proceedings, the judge outlined that the measures taken were adequate and necessary to prevent them from reoffending. A notable restriction placed on the couple is the prohibition from staying in the Florianópolis area, effectively limiting their movements and ties to the district of the offense.

This ruling sparks discussions on the judicial approach towards non-violent crimes and the extent to which alternatives to custody can be employed. The decision underscores the balance the Brazilian legal system tries to achieve between punishment and rehabilitation, especially in cases where the defendants do not pose a significant threat to public safety. As the couple prepares to leave for their home, the implications of their arrest and subsequent release highlight ongoing issues around crime prevention and judicial discretion in the face of minor offenses.