Posts Tagged ‘teens’
Two Utah teens have been charged with first degree felony murder in a case that has surprised local authorities.
Photo: Jim Trodel
Why Adult Court?
The two 16-year-olds’ cases will be handled in adult court, a move that doesn’t happen regularly in Utah. Utah teens are usually adjudicated in juvenile court, but there are certain crimes that can be remanded to district court if the circumstances seem appropriate.
Another Charge
The teens have also been charged with obstruction of justice, which is a second degree felony. The two young men are accused of being involved with the death of a man whose body was discovered in the Colorado River last weekend. The man appeared to have been shot, although the exact cause of death isn’t publicly known at this point in time.
When a youth is found guilty of committing an offense in juvenile court, he may: serve time in a detention facility, have work hours to accomplish or other consequences placed upon him. However, when a teenager is tried in district court, he will be treated as an adult and could find himself serving a lengthy prison sentence if found guilty of a crime.
Penalty for Murder
A person convicted of first degree felony murder in Utah is required to serve an indeterminate prison sentence of at least 15 years and as long as life; a judge doesn’t have the authority to reduce the sentence to anything lower than a minimum of 15 years.
These two Utah teens are in a tough spot; hopefully they have consulted with a Utah criminal defense attorney who has experience handling murder cases.
Help Your Child by Hiring the Right Attorney
For most legal situations involving kids, however, it’s a good idea to talk to a Utah juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible. Hiring an attorney who is skilled in helping juveniles may be the best way to help your son or daughter in their court case.
Don’t just hope that things will turn out for the best for your child. Contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney today.
Tags: conviction, detention, district court, Felony, Juvenile Court, Murder, Prison, teen, teens, utah
Posted in Violent Acts | No Comments »
A couple of Utah teens were sent to the hospital following a bout of reckless driving in the Taylorsville High School parking lot.
Photo: Jason Bain
Truck Rolls Over at School
The teens were in a pickup truck that rolled in the parking lot following what police believe was a race with another vehicle behind the school’s football stadium. Some kids in the back of the truck bailed before the vehicle rolled, but the driver and one passenger were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
We could talk to kids about reckless driving until we’re blue in the face and some teens would still choose a good old drag race to playing it safe. However, you can’t dispute the fact that injuries are more likely to occur when teens aren’t driving carefully; for that matter, injuries can occur when any person—regardless of their age—drives recklessly.
Reckless Driving Charge Adds Insult to Injury
It’s reported that the driver will be cited for reckless driving, which is a class B misdemeanor. We don’t know what that will mean in terms of juvenile court, but hopefully this particular teen and his compatriots will have learned a valuable lesson from this experience.
Reckless driving can be charged if a person drives:
• With willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property or
• While committing three or moving traffic violations within a distance of three miles or less
As you probably know, juvenile court usually handles kids’ offenses a little differently than district court treats adults. Kids tend to deal with rehabilitation efforts better than a lot of adults, so it’s good to give them a chance to make amends.
Ask a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney for Legal Advice
There are times, however, when a child needs the additional advice of a lawyer. In those circumstances, it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced Utah juvenile defense attorney.
If your child needed medical attention you’d take them to a doctor, and it’s no different when he needs legal help. Give your child the best assistance you can by contacting a top Utah juvenile defense attorney today.
Tags: attorney, crime, kids, law, minor, offense, reckless driving, School, teens, utah, youth
Posted in Juvenile Defense Misc | No Comments »
Social media can be fun, interesting and even useful. Sometimes it can lead to problems, particularly for juveniles who don’t realize the dangers involved in social media like Facebook and Twitter.
Photo: Randy Pertiet
Watch What You Tweet
A couple of Utah teens are now feeling the repercussions of their Twitter time. The girls were arrested after one of their parents went through her daughter’s phone and found out about a marijuana get-together planned by the two girls and an 18-year-old male.
Police intercepted a text from the man to the girl’s phone and arranged to have him pick up both girls in front of their middle school. When the man arrived, police arrested him, even though he said he believed the girls were 16. After searching the man’s vehicle, he was charged with multiple crimes, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The girls allegedly were both in possession of a small amount of marijuana and are being investigated.
Don’t be a Bystander in Your Kid’s Life
The parents in this situation deserve kudos for keeping an eye on their kids. Obviously they couldn’t keep their children under constant surveillance, but when illegal drugs are involved it always better late than never.
Your kids may resent your “interference” in their lives, but it makes sense to keep tabs on what they’re up to, who they hang out with and their texting and social media habits. Your parenting may save your child from situations they can’t possibly foresee at their age.
Get Help From a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney
If you have a child who’s already made some mistakes, don’t wait to contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney. Kids need legal help just as much as adults, but they rely on parents to make that decision for them.
Do your child and yourself a favor by talking to a Utah juvenile defense attorney today.
Tags: crime, drug, drug use, Drugs, juvenile, marijuana, offense, School, teens, underage, utah
Posted in Drugs | No Comments »
Although Utah is not yet included, several states in the U.S. have placed legal restrictions on not just teen texting but also any use of a cell phone by a teenager while driving.
Last year in Connecticut, a 16-year-old girl was driving and possibly texting when she fatally struck a jogger. At the time of the incident, Connecticut had banned the use of cell phones by drivers under the age of 18. The teen was charged with several crimes, including: negligent homicide, using a handheld telephone while under age and driving in the wrong lane.
Prohibited Cell Phone Uses While Driving
So far, Utah hasn’t banned driver-use of cell phones completely, although teen texting (as well as texting by adults) while operating a car is prohibited. The only time a driver may use a cell phone is to:
• Make or receive a phone call
• Use global positioning or navigation services
• Get help in a medical emergency situation
• To report or request help for a safety hazard
• To report criminal activity
• Provide roadside or medical assistance
Tell your driving-age child that texting is against the law and be a good example by not indulging in a bit of texting-while-driving yourself. Nevertheless, we know that a lot of kids will ignore this good advice and do what they want; after all—nothing bad will happen because of a little teen texting, right?
Talk to a Utah Juvenile Defense Attorney
We’re here to help if your child has been arrested for teen texting. Kids make mistakes and deserve to be helped during times of crisis. Instead of trying to handle the Utah juvenile justice system on your own, talk to a respected Utah juvenile defense attorney who can advise your child and take care of his case, both in and outside the courtroom.
Tags: attorney, cell phone, court, crime, juvenile, lawyer, offense, teen, teens, texting, utah
Posted in Utah Law | No Comments »
There is some basic information that can be valuable for parents and teens to know about juvenile drug court in Utah.
Photo: epSos.de
Why Was a Juvenile Drug Court Created?
To help certain juvenile drug offenders and alcohol offenders work though their substance issues.
The juvenile drug court’s goal is to help prevent further substance abuse difficulties. No one is required to attend drug court; it is a choice for those juveniles who qualify.
There are minimum required penalties for kids who’ve been charged with drug or alcohol offenses. They include:
• 20-100 hours of community service
• $150-$500 fine
• Loss of driver’s license
What’s Involved in Participating in Juvenile Drug Court?
• At least six months’ commitment
• Entering into a contract
• At least 60 hours of community service
• Evaluations
• Intervention classes and/or substance abuse counseling
• Random substance testing
• Written assignments
• Home visits
• Required school attendance and acceptable grades
• Following home rules
• Attendance at classes with a parent
• Attendance at monthly court reviews
• No new infractions
It may seem like a lot of work to participate in a juvenile drug court, but it may turn out to be a beneficial route to take—both for a child and his family.
If you have questions about juvenile drug court or any other juvenile-related concerns, don’t wait to talk to a Utah juvenile defense attorney. Consulting an attorney on behalf of your child may be the best decision you can make to turn your child’s life around. Make the right call today.
Tags: Alcohol, attorney, crime, drug court, Drugs, juvenile, juvenile drug court, kids, offense, teens
Posted in Alcohol, Drugs | No Comments »
There were two separate incidents this past week concerning Utah school kids and weapons on school properties.
Photo: Mauro Cateb
Teens at Cyprus High
In one situation, four Cyprus High School students were arrested for possessing dangerous weapons on school property. The four teens were discovered allegedly skipping class and in possession of pocketknives and/or brass knuckles. Police noted that the boys had not hurt or threatened anyone, but do have gang connections. They were arrested and will likely be suspended and may be sent to other schools.
Legal Definition of Dangerous Weapons on School Property
According to the state code, no one—including Utah school kids—is allowed to be in possession of any dangerous weapon, firearm or sawed-off shotgun on or around school properties. Possessing a dangerous weapon on or about school premises is a class B misdemeanor. If you decide to take a firearm or sawed-off shotgun onto school property, you’ll probably be charged with a class A misdemeanor.
There is an exception to the above law. Someone, such as a school resource officer, who is authorized by the school administrator or who has a legal right to carry such a weapon can be excluded.
Youth Carries Gun to School
In another incident, an 11-year-old boy showed up at school with a gun and allegedly threatened other students. He was also arrested and will likely be sent through the juvenile court system.
Violence in Utah is nothing new, but it can be frustrating to see Utah school kids armed with weapons. One of the best ways to help a child who’s been put into the juvenile justice system is to make sure that he is represented by a top Utah juvenile defense attorney.
Helping Utah School Kids
Contact an attorney who has a reputation for helping and defending his juvenile clients. The right Utah juvenile defense attorney may make the positive difference in your child’s case that puts him on the right track.
Tags: attorney, children, crime, gun, juveniles, kids, offense, School, teens, utah, weapon
Posted in School | No Comments »
A research brief just published by the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice examines why the serious crime rates among youth in California have dropped substantially in recent years. Although logic suggests that drug crime rates would fall with the changes in drug laws, the crime rates for violent and property felonies, homicide, and misdemeanors in general also decreased.
Overall, California serious youth crime rates have fallen faster than national rates in the last 40 years.
The researchers were only able to positively correlate the crime decline with two factors: (1) the 2011 change in marijuana law, downgrading low-level possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction; and (2) improvements in the economic well-being of California’s youth. Even these correlations though were moderate. This suggests that policy-makers need to re-think “the often emotional and increasingly unfounded rhetoric now used to characterize young people, violence, and crime.” In particular, California’s drop in youth crime shows “that contrary to conventional notions, more youth and increasing racial and ethnic diversity do not lead to more crime” because California has the most diverse youth population and now has the lowest offense level ever reliably calculated.
For the full brief click: CA_Youth_Crime_2011.
The truth is that many factors influence youth propensity to commit crime and many factors may make legal intervention more or less successful. For those with a child or teen that has already been arrested and is involved in the justice system, contacting an experienced juvenile attorney may make the difference in getting them back on track.
Tags: crime, Felony, high school drugs, juvenile, Juvenile crimes, marijuana, Serious Youth Offender, teen, teenager, teens
Posted in Drugs, Juvenile Defense Misc | No Comments »
Attribution: compujeramey
Columbia University does an annual survey of American kids from ages 12 to 17 to track the prevalence of drugs in high schools. This year, the participants responded that 17% of their classmates are using drugs, drinking, and/or smoking during the school day. There were other interesting findings. The study showed that kids are more likely to have tried drugs, alcohol, or tobacco if they view pictures of other kids using alcohol and/or drugs on social networking sites like Facebook. Also, younger teens were found to have easier access to (within an hour to get) prescription medication than marijuana. This marks the sixth straight year that 60% or more of the surveyed students reporting that their “high schools are drug infected, meaning that drugs are used, kept or sold at the schools.” Columbia High School Study.
As the drug presence in schools increases, it’s important for parents, teachers, and community leaders to take preventative measures with the youth they supervise to prevent these behaviors. For those families already dealing with these issues in the juvenile justice system, it can be difficult to determine how to act in a child’s best interest. A Utah juvenile defense attorney can help these families navigate the variety of rehabilitative options available, such as juvenile drug court programs or other substance abuse treatment options, so the youth has the optimal environment and opportunity for success. If you and your child are dealing with the juvenile justice system, for drugs or otherwise, contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney to help both you find the best solution for your family
Tags: Alcohol, facebook, high school drugs, juvenile, Juvenile Court, kids, marijuana, School, teenager, teens, Tobacco, utah, youth
Posted in Drugs, Juvenile Court, Juvenile Defense Misc, School | No Comments »
Two reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration concerning teen drug use were recently released, revealing new information about when many teens first smoke pot, cigarettes and drink alcohol.
Photo: James Alby
Summertime Teen Drug Use
June and July are popular months for around 11,000 kids between 12 and 17 to take their first drink of alcohol. The typical days the rest of the year (except for December) see an average 5,000 to 8,000 first-time drinkers.
An average 5,000 teens smoke cigarettes for the first time in June and July, as well. First-time marijuana use also increases to over 4,500 experimenting during the summer months, from an average of 3,000-4,000 adolescents the rest of the year.
Utah Juvenile Defense Attorneys Can Help
These numbers show how important it is for teens to have the right kind of diversions available to them during school breaks to help reduce teen drug use. Part of the problem with teen drug use is that it might precede other criminal behaviors later in life—and sometimes even during one’s youth. Juvenile courts are busy today trying to help rehabilitate teens who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and who may have committed other crimes.
If your teen is in the juvenile justice system, whether he suffers from substance abuse or not, it’s important that he receive vital legal service from an experienced Utah juvenile defense attorney. A top legal professional can give you and your child the best advice and defense possible, helping you both inside and outside the courtroom. Call a Utah juvenile defense attorney today to discuss your child’s legal dilemma.
Tags: Alcohol, crime, Drugs, kids, marijuana, School, teen, teenager, teens, utah
Posted in Drugs | No Comments »
Ogden High School cheerleaders were recently suspended from school following a hazing incident that involved several girls who are joining the cheer squad in the fall.
Photo: Richelle Antipolo
The cheerleaders who were suspended allegedly invited the incoming squad members to a home for a party which turned into an initiation. At some point, the newcomers were blindfolded and taken to a park where they were supposedly sworn at, called names and covered in a variety of condiments and other food items. Some reports state the possibility that urine was also thrown on the blindfolded girls.
The girls who were suspended missed their senior prom, as that day was included in their suspension from school. They were, however, allowed to return to school to take end-of-year tests. The school district’s spokesperson noted that charges could be filed against any of the cheerleaders who were 18 years old, should law enforcement make that choice.
Utah’s public school system has a policy prohibiting hazing, as well as bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual battery and sexual exposure. That policy also prohibits retaliation against a person who investigates or witnesses an incident that is prohibited. If someone is a victim of bullying, hazing, etc., he has the right to file a civil or criminal complaint.
Hazing has no positive effects on the people being hazed or the ones doing the hazing. If your child has been involved in hazing, bullying or any other crime, you should contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney immediately. Some kids just make mistakes that are simply errors in judgment, and if a court thinks otherwise, you want to have a legal expert who can plead your child’s case on his or her behalf.
Tags: bullying, crime, hazing, School, suspended, teens, utah
Posted in School | No Comments »
