A 14-year-old may face criminal charges because of a threat he made using a social media platform. Law enforcement says that the treat was enough to justify taking the boy into custody. The boy may hire a Saint Lucie criminal defense attorney to help him fight criminal charges.
In Florida, a 14-year-old may be tried as a child or as an adult. Generally, a person facing a criminal charge is treated as a child until they turn 18 years old. However, at age 14 and older, the state can decide to charge the child as an adult. A person facing a criminal charge can work with a Saint Lucie criminal lawyer whether they are charged as a juvenile or an adult. Law enforcement officers and public officials struggle with the balance between acting proactively when there are threats and protecting against unreasonable search and seizure.
Officers say that the student made the threat after serving a suspension. They arrested the teen and took him to a juvenile facility. Police say it isn’t just the threat. They say that the teen also made other comments and posted photos that concerned them. Police also interviewed a second teen during the investigation.
Even when a person faces a criminal charge in juvenile court, the consequences can be serious. They face time in juvenile detention, fines and community service. The court may order a juvenile to receive rehabilitative services like counseling. With serious consequences on the line, it’s important to work with a Port Saint Lucie criminal defense attorney to defend against allegations of wrongdoing to the fullest extent of the law.
Parents say that they’re concerned about the boy’s comments. They say that they depend on law enforcement to keep their children safe while they’re at school. They say that they support law enforcement’s efforts to be proactive when it comes to the safety of their children.
Whether you face a criminal charge as a juvenile or an adult, you have a right to a trial. You may plead not guilty and present a defense. You may call witnesses and work with your Port Saint Lucie criminal lawyer to question them.
In addition, you may choose to testify in your own defense. In addition to a criminal trial, you may need to defend against disciplinary proceedings at your school. It’s important to work quickly in order to protect your rights and build your defense. If you or someone you know have been in a similar legal situation contact The Law Office of Jeffrey H. Garland, P.A. at 772.489.2200.