Assault Conviction Added to Teen Already Convicted in Adult Court
The unusual conviction of Aza Ray Vidinhar, the 16-year-old West Point boy who stabbed his two younger brothers to death in May of 2013, just got a little more complicated with an additional assault by prisoner conviction. While Vidinhar was previously being held in the Mill Creek Detention facility in Ogden, since the assault, he was moved to the Weber County Jail.
A Strange Case from the Beginning
According to KSL News, in 2014, Vidinhar took a plea deal in the murder case of his brothers that was believed to be the first of its kind in the state of Utah. Vidinhar pleaded guilty to the two counts of murder; however, one count was in juvenile court and the other count was in adult court. Providing Vidinhar successfully followed his treatment and didn’t cause any problems, he would have stayed in juvenile detention until he turned 21, at which point he would be transferred to the adult prison system to serve his remaining 15 years to life.
Vidinhar’s attorneys had stated that once that happened, they were planning to ask for an early review hearing from the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. However, on Nov. 1, Vidinhar added more problems to his situation with an assault by prisoner charge after he attacked a fellow inmate with a broom. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Vidinhar pleaded guilty to the assault charge. While his sentencing won’t happen until March 23, prosecutors are recommending that the sentence run concurrent with the sentences for the murder conviction.
Assault Charges Vary Depending on Circumstance
According to Utah Criminal Code 76-5 Part 1, there are several forms of assault, ranging from propelling a bodily substance to assault against school employees to Vidinhar’s charge of assault by prisoner.
According to 76-5-102, regular assault is defined as “an attempt, with unlawful force or violence, to do bodily injury to another.” This includes a threat to do bodily injury accompanied by a show of immediate force or violence. Assault is a class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if committed by an adult. However, if “substantial bodily injury” is caused, or if the victim is pregnant, it becomes a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If a dangerous weapon is displayed or used, the charge jumps to aggravated assault, a felony charge that can land a juvenile in adult court.
If you child has been charged with any form of assault, contact an experienced and sympathetic juvenile defense attorney who will look out for your child’s best interests.
