Stolen Gun Used by Utah Teen in Accidental Shooting

A 16-year-old Clearfield boy was involved in an accidental shooting that left his younger sister with a gunshot wound in her shoulder and questions about the allegedly stolen gun used in the incident.

Origins of Stolen Gun

The teen told police that the stolen gun was obtained during a car burglary in Clinton around one year ago. Even though investigators believe the teen’s story, they will probably want to confirm his actions and try to figure out the true ownership of the weapon.

Now the young man is being investigated for any involvement in other unsolved car burglaries. Fortunately his sister wasn’t more seriously injured and was in stable condition as of last Friday. Criminal charges may still be in store for the 16-year-old; that is up to the Davis County Attorney’s Office to determine.

What is Vehicle Burglary?

Vehicle burglary is a class A misdemeanor in Utah. You may be charged with this crime if you illegally enter a vehicle with the intent to commit a felony or theft. Additionally, vehicle burglary is charged separately from any other crime committed at the same time.

For example, if you enter a vehicle illegally to escape from police following the robbery of a store, you will likely be charged with vehicle burglary and robbery, as well as evading police. The commission of one crime can quickly catapult you into committing additional offenses.

Juveniles Need Defense Help

Kids in legal hot water need to be represented by an attorney just as much as adults in similar situations. If your child is on the wrong side of the law, talk to a Utah juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible.

Having a juvenile defense attorney on your child’s side may increase the chances that the juvenile court judge will reach a reasonable solution regarding your son or daughter. An attorney can’t necessarily make the problem disappear, but he knows how the law works and can be the best advocate for your child.

Contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney today.