supposed "gang" violence

[starone1]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?GA

My 15 year old son was involved, along with 3 other youths, in a fight at school in which the school charged him with felony criminal charges related to gang activity. My son is not and has never been in a gang. However, that's the charge. I'm told that he will have a hearing at which time it will be determined whether or not to proceed to trial. I'd like to know if I should be worried and retain a lawyer now or wait to see how things go. What are my son's rights as a juvenile and my rights as a parent?

 

[CdwJava]

Your son has the same rights as an adult - he has the right to remain silent.

All because you think he is not a member of a gang does not mean he is not one. It is doubtful he would tell you about his association unless he thought you might approve. If he and his friends committed a criminal act that furthered the reputation or purpose of the gang, guess what? He committed a gang-related act and that may be all that is required to charge him with gang crimes.

He needs an attorney ASAP. Not later, but now. You do not take a chance with a felony. He may have to choose between testifying against his friends or going down with them, and the best way to do that is with the aid of an attorney

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?GA

My 15 year old son was involved, along with 3 other youths, in a fight at school in which the school charged him with felony criminal charges related to gang activity. My son is not and has never been in a gang. However, that's the charge. I'm told that he will have a hearing at which time it will be determined whether or not to proceed to trial. I'd like to know if I should be worried and retain a lawyer now or wait to see how things go. What are my son's rights as a juvenile and my rights as a parent?

**A: hire legal counsel. The wait and see could cost you and him big time.

 

[Banned_Princess]

Sometimes any group of people (multiple co defendants) can be concidered a gang, weather or not they are an official gang with a name and colors is actually irrelevent.

A lawyer immedeately is absolutely necessary.

 

[HomeGuru]

Sometimes any group of people (multiple co defendants) can be concidered a gang, weather or not they are an official gang with a name and colors is actually irrelevent.

**A: correct as there are several gangs on this FreeAdvice website and we have no official names and colors.

 

[CdwJava]

State definitions vary, but in general they have a defining name or symbol, consist of three or more people, and commit crimes as part of their normal activity.

Here is a site with some general definitions:

http://www.gangsorus.com/definition.html

(Note: I do not endorse this site and have not read all the links, I just concur with the definitions section as linked. And, it mentions the Georgia definitions.)