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Teen Charged as an Adult in Coatesville Bus Shooting Case

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Feb 04, 2025 | 0 Comments

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.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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