The Los Angeles Times says a 16-year-old from Santa Monica was arrested recently for making homemade explosives.
The newspaper reports that officers were conducting a routine probation check recently at the boy's apartment in the 1100 block of 12th Street near Wilshire Boulevard. Apparently, they found a three-inch PVC pipe bomb and firecrackers.
While these are serious charges, juvenile defendants require a Los Angeles juvenile criminal defense attorney who has years of experience fighting crimes on behalf of our children. Teens often get mixed up in crimes that aren't their idea and because of their mental capacity and mental development.
According to the story, police called in the bomb squad and evacuated nearby residents. Police didn't provide an explanation of why the boy had the materials in his apartment or what the terms of his probation. Often, cases like these have a less-frightening explanation. While police use the term "explosives," some of these items are used in making fireworks.
It's crucial that juveniles have proper representation to keep these crimes off a young person's criminal record. Juvenile crime convictions in Los Angeles and elsewhere in California can keep teens out of college, disqualify them from obtaining student loans and make it difficult to join the military or start meaningful careers.
And along with the potential future effects on a juvenile being convicted of a crime, it can have psychological effects on the child as well. That is why the juvenile crime area of law is designed to rehabilitate rather than punish. Adult convicts are punished with prison time and other sanctions, while teens are treated as if they can learn their lesson with help.
But waiting too long in the process before consulting an experienced juvenile crimes attorney in Los Angeles could hurt your child. It's often possible that swift action can convince prosecutors not to file charges or file less serious charges. If the teen is old enough to be charged as an adult, picking the right attorney can also keep the state from prosecuting the teen as an adult.
This decision is extremely important for your child. This could result in the difference between community service, a juvenile boot camp or a prison filled with hardened criminals. Make the choice that's in the best interests of your child and contact Los Angeles juvenile criminal defense lawyers.
If you need to speak with a juvenile crimes defense attorney in Los Angeles, contact the Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez and Associates at 213-223-2173 for a free consultation.
