In a lot of cases, criminal charges stem from one incident or act. They result from one moment in time where someone either failed to do something or acted in a way the person shouldn't have. Yet, the consequences from this one moment have the potential to stay with a person for the rest of the person's life. When the accused is young, the consequences can be even more acute.
Recently in Portland, a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on felony charges. According to reports, the boy is accused of being involved in a gang related shooting in August. Police claim that the boy was responsible for shots that were fired outside of a bar on Aug. 9 on Cully Blvd. in Northeast Portland. Reports say that no one was hurt in the incident. Following a lengthy investigation, the boy was arrested at his home in Southeast Portland. He is being held in a juvenile detention facility.
As a result of these accusations, the boy is facing several criminal charges. These charges include unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, second degree attempted assault, attempted first degree assault and attempted murder.
These charges are extremely serious. If convicted, the teen could face penalties that change the course of his life. These penalties could include a long prison sentence, fines, probation, the loss of certain rights -- including the right to vote -- and more. They could also leave the boy with a criminal record before his adult life even truly began. This criminal record could limit his ability to find a job or stable housing. It could also limit his educational opportunities.
To avoid penalties that affect the rest of a person's life, those accused of felony crimes -- like the boy in this case -- need a solid criminal defense. With the right help, people can challenge police evidence or present their own evidence that weakens the police's case.
Source: The Oregonian, "16-year-old Portland boy facing attempted murder charge in Cully shooting," Tom Hallman Jr., Nov. 22, 2014
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