branman1971
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland
Here's the situation. 17 year old boy, caught with 4 other boys stealing beer out of a neighbor's garage refrigerator at 3am. When neighbor awoke to noises, he saw kids outside in driveway and yelled and called police. Kids fled in a car and were stopped by police that were responding. When lame story quickly fell apart, truthful admissions were made. Charges were 1st degree burglary, a felony, for all juveniles. It was 1st degree because the garage was attached to the house, so it is considered the same as if he was in the living room or kitchen. This young man has no priors, no previous infractions of any kind, and good grades in school, and well known and liked by neighborhood. Just acted on a very stupid idea, with no realization on what the consequences might be if caught.
Juvenile services have decided not to dismiss the charge due to the severity, and they are forwarding it to the District Attorney. The D.A. will do one of 3 things we are told: 1.) He (could) dismiss the case 2.) He could assign probation and/or fines from any damages, which there were no actual physical damages 3.) He could forward the case to be heard in Juvenile court by judge or jury, (which could result in fines, lock-up, and/or probation)
No lawyer as of yet, cause if the DA assigns fines and/or probation than no need for lawyer, and letter of DA’s intentions to arrive within 3 weeks. Any input or suggestions, or advice from folks who have been through this stuff is much appreciated.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MD
Here's the situation. 17 year old boy, caught with 4 other boys stealing beer out of a neighbor's garage refrigerator at 3am. When neighbor awoke to noises, he saw kids outside in driveway and yelled and called police. Kids fled in a car and were stopped by police that were responding. When lame story quickly fell apart, truthful admissions were made. Charges were 1st degree burglary, a felony, for all juveniles. It was 1st degree because the garage was attached to the house, so it is considered the same as if he was in the living room or kitchen. This young man has no priors, no previous infractions of any kind, and good grades in school, and well known and liked by neighborhood. Just acted on a very stupid idea, with no realization on what the consequences might be if caught.
Juvenile services have decided not to dismiss the charge due to the severity, and they are forwarding it to the District Attorney. The D.A. will do one of 3 things we are told: 1.) He (could) dismiss the case 2.) He could assign probation and/or fines from any damages, which there were no actual physical damages 3.) He could forward the case to be heard in Juvenile court by judge or jury, (which could result in fines, lock-up, and/or probation)
No lawyer as of yet, cause if the DA assigns fines and/or probation than no need for lawyer, and letter of DA’s intentions to arrive within 3 weeks. Any input or suggestions, or advice from folks who have been through this stuff is much appreciated.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MD