Lakewood, New Jersey Teens Face Intimidation Charges
Four teenagers from Lakewood, New Jersey have been arrested following allegations of intimidating a bus driver. According to a news report in The Daily Record, the four 15-year-old boys were arrested on a school bus in Lakewood. Police believe that the boys crowded behind the bus driver, refused to sit, and used racial slurs about the KKK to intimidate the African-American bus driver. Prosecutors state the charges “will need to be reviewed to the full extent of the law.” It is unclear what led to this situation or the severity of the penalties these teens could face.
In cases where the criminal allegations are not severe, teenagers under the age of 18 are likely to be charged as juveniles. While the penalties for juvenile crime are not as serious as adult crimes, juvenile crime charges in New Jersey should not be taken lightly. Accepting a conviction of a juvenile crime and becoming a repeat offender can lead teenagers down a path from where there is no return.
A skilled juvenile crime defense attorney will work with the authorities to try to avoid a trial. With proper representation, a juvenile crime conviction may result in community service instead of juvenile detention. In such cases, the charges may also be dismissed or expunged from the young defendant’s record. Each case is different, but the family of any juvenile charged with a crime in New Jersey would be well-advised to discuss their legal options with an experienced attorney.
The Princeton juvenile crime defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein work to protect the rights and the future of young New Jersey residents. If you have a son or daughter who is facing serious juvenile criminal allegations in New Jersey, please call our office at 609-240-0040 to discuss your case.
