Two teen boys are facing five felony counts apiece, including two counts of Criminal Mischief (CRS 18-4-501), two counts of Second Degree Burglary (CRS 18-4-203), and Theft (CRS 18-4-401), after they broke into two separate buildings and caused over $25,000 worth of damage near Weld County, Colorado.
In this case, the Criminal Mischief (CRS 18-4-501) counts are most serious as the boys are facing two counts each, one a class 4 felony and the other a class 3. Felony crimes are much more serious than misdemeanor crimes in Erie, Greeley, and Windsor. With adults, felony convictions can require at least a year in prison, infringe on gun rights, and can never be sealed. With juveniles, gun possession can be forever prohibited.
If these boys were adults, they would face a long time in prison if convicted or if they pled guilty. But because they are juveniles, the process is a little different as society focuses on rehabilitation. In some states including Colorado, under certain circumstances juveniles may be tried as adults, a subject that is under scrutiny from many child advocate groups.
The government has decided that teens, minors, children, and juveniles under 18 have not psychologically developed as fully as an adult has. Their brain is not as mature as an adult offender and for that reason the government believes that they 1) do not realize the consequences of their actions, 2) should not be punished to the extent that it will impact them for a lifetime and 3) should receive rehabilitation efforts.
If your child is arrested and charged with a crime in Greeley or Weld County, be smart, exercise their right to remain silent and contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your child’s future.