The Mercury News reports that five teenagers have been arrested in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old boy at a birthday party.
In this case, as many as 10 kids are expected to be arrested in connection with the stabbing. A Fresno juvenile defense lawyer should be called in immediately to represent any teenagers arrested in this case. Investigators will likely arrest everyone they can get their hands on, threaten those that don't cooperate with criminal charges, and charge those that do cooperate based on their own statements. Those who failed to stop the stabbing could be blamed for participating in it. In such cases, the criminal charges can be just as serious as the person ultimately charged with the teen's death.
Additionally, these teens could be charged as adults and end up with strikes on their record.
According to the sheriff's department, the boy was stabbed multiple times during an argument among a group of males outside a party for a teen's 15th birthday. About 150 people were in the rural home outside Kerman at the time.
The sheriff said the suspects are gang members and all of them are 15 or 16. The department reports that investigators are searching for five more suspects and additional arrests are possible.
Those facing gang charges in Los Angeles can face increased penalties and will likely face a strike conviction. Authorities use 30 different criteria to determine if a person is involved in a gang, including association with other known gang members.
Being affiliated with a gang through criminal charges can have long-term consequences that follow a teen well into adulthood. The only defense is an aggressive offense.
If your are facing juvenile charges or gang charges in the San Joaquin Valley -- including Merced, Madera, Clovis and Hanford -- contact Fresno Juvenile Defense Attorney Michael E. Mitchell for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 559-222-2424. SE HABLA ESPANOL.
