The weapons charges in Los Angeles filed recently against a teenager in connection with an arrest at school highlights the importance of seeking experienced legal representation in the wake of such allegations.
CNN reported authorities will seek to charge a 17-year-old boy as an adult after a gun he allegedly brought to school in his backpack apparently discharged accidentally, wounding two students.
A single bullet struck two students, one in the temple and the other in the neck. He has been charged with possession a firearm in a school zone and discharging a firearm in a school, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Both charges are felonies.
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer should always be called to handle criminal charges against minors. Unfortunately, parents too often think such charges will magically disappear in adulthood. That is typically not the case; convictions for serious crimes as a juvenile may even count as a strike in adulthood.
And, especially given today's zero-tolerance policy, teenagers often face very serious charges for minor infractions on school grounds. In this case, as in any case where a gun is alleged in the commission of a crime on school property, the teen faces the very real threat of being expelled as well as facing significant jail time.
Particularly in cases where juveniles are charged as an adult, an experienced and aggressive defense must be mounted. If he is convicted as an adult, he faces up to seven years in prison. If tried and convicted as a juvenile, the maximum penalty would be nine months in a juvenile camp.
The girl wounded in the head is reportedly in critical condition. The boy wounded in the neck has been treated and released.
Two other students have reportedly been arrested in connection with the case, though no information about possible charges has been forthcoming from the prosecutor's office.
If your child is facing criminal charges, contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen G. Rodriguez for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
