Trio of Youths Receive Probation with Strict Sanctions

Three Florida teens received a sentence of indefinite probation after they pleaded guilty on Aug. 29 to aggravated battery charges in the school bus beating of a 13-year-old in July. One of the boys also pleaded guilty to the criminal charge of robbery after he took $5 from the boy. The trio will need to comply with a number of probation sanctions, including community volunteer hours, mandatory curfews and attendance at anger-control counseling. They must also submit to random drug testing, keep away from the victim and submit to electronic monitoring for as long as two months.

Prosecutors further requested that if any of the teens attend the same high school as the 13-year-old, they have the responsibility to find another school to attend. The younger teen supposedly told authorities at their dropout prevention school that one of the 15-year-old juveniles attempted to sell him pot. He received a broken arm and two black eyes during the attack, which was recorded by monitoring equipment on the bus.

The judge commented on the seriousness of the offense, especially if it had been committed by an adult. The three juveniles do not have a prior criminal record. One of the youths said that at the time of the assault, he was angry with the younger boy and felt “disrespected,” but he also apologized for his actions. All three of the boys were respectful in court and expressed remorse to the judge.

When juveniles face criminal charges, it can affect their future, including attending college and finding employment. A criminal defense attorney might be able to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution for reduced charges, especially for first-time offenders.

Source: Fox News, “Teens sentenced to indefinite probation in Florida bus beating “, August 29, 2013

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