There is no question that the criminal justice system in the U.S. is imperfect. Yet, when tragedy strikes, the public's outcry for justice can pressure law enforcement officials to dismiss the shortcomings in the system in an effort to secure convictions at all costs. For example, prosecutors may feel pressured to file charges against minors as if they were adults, which undermines the principles of rehabilitation that are supposed to guide the system's response when minors allegedly commit acts of wrongdoing.
If you are the parent of a teen – or you're a teenager yourself – who has been accused of serious wrongdoing, it is possible that these circumstances will unfold in adult court, not the juvenile justice system. If so, talk to us about your case by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting the LLF Law Firm online today. The seriousness of this situation can't be overstated, and your family is in need of experienced advocacy right now.
What Really Happened in Coatesville?
Every single story in which a minor is charged as an adult is unique. For example, some time after a Coatesville shooting incident, it was announced that two additional individuals had been charged in connection with an earlier shooting-related incident in which a Coatesville Area School District school bus was struck by bullets. While no one was injured during the incident, law enforcement investigators believe that a student exiting the bus was the target of the violence at issue. At first, an 18-year-old male was charged in connection with the shooting. Then, both a 20-year-old male and a 17-year-old male were charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder for their alleged roles in this scenario.
It is alleged that the minor discharged six bullets at the time of the incident. While it is suspected that someone exiting the bus was targeted by the shooter – hence, the attempted murder charge – it is not uncommon for teens and young adults to commit acts that are far dumber than they are malicious. This is one of the primary reasons that the juvenile justice system exists. It is the law's way of acknowledging that very young people, whose brains are still developing, often make poor choices not because they are inherent risks to public safety but simply because boundary testing and a lack of understanding about the reality that actions have consequences are issues that tend to resolve with time and appropriate guidance.
While it is important that juveniles who have, indeed, committed wrongdoing are held appropriately accountable for their actions, trying them in adult court instead of seeking out the rehabilitative opportunities that the juvenile justice system affords is not the answer. Acknowledging the age of those accused of legal infractions is important to the goal of securing true justice, not the goal of imposing harsh penalties on those who can't properly process the nature of their actions in order to satisfy the public's need for closure.
Legal Assistance Is Available
The dedicated Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm understands that minors being charged as adults is a life-altering scenario. If you or your teen is facing these challenges, it's time to act. Given the stakes of your situation, it's important to talk to us about your case immediately by calling 888-535-3686 or by reaching out online. Our team has extensive experience advocating on behalf of teens in trouble and we're ready to help you and your family as well.
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