Three teens face vandalism charges in Fresno for allegedly damaging a church early Tuesday morning, CBS 47 reported.
A Fresno juvenile defense lawyer should always be called to represent minors who are facing criminal charges. Unfortunately, parents sometimes decide to teach a child a lesson by essentially throwing them at the court's mercy. At other times, a parent may decide that, because a child is charges as a juvenile or because the charge is a misdemeanor, hiring an attorney is not warranted. Frequently, this is a mistake. Criminal charges can have a wide-ranging impact on a teenager's life and may even prevent them from entering the military, enrolling in college or receiving certain types of aid, including student loans. In other cases, a criminal charge may remain on a child's record in adulthood or may even count as a strike crime as an adult.
In this case, the Church of Christ Sierra Vista, near Maple and Clinton avenues, was damaged at about 1 a.m. Police alleged that five teens vandalized the church; three of the alleged defendants were caught after the intervention of nearby citizens. Police were called to the scene and three of the teens are facing felony vandalism charges.
Two other teens are still being sought.
These cases also often result in several defendants being disproportionately charged, based on which teens are the first to talk to police. In other cases, investigators make promises about a reduction or dismissal of charges that they are not empowered to keep. Defendants should not speak with investigators until and unless their attorney is present and gives permission. Any "deal" struck without your attorney will likely be unenforceable in court.
If your are facing criminal charges in Fresno or the surrounding area, contact the Law Offices of Michael E. Mitchell for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 559-222-2424. SE HABLA ESPANOL.
