Teenager Could Be Charged With Murder For Hitting Mom With a Hammer
A 56-year-old woman suffered critical head injuries after her 14-year-old daughter hit her in the head with a hammer, according to a CBS news report. The girl, whose name has not been released because she is a juvenile, allegedly struck her mother on the head with the blunt instrument, when her father and 21-year-old sister were asleep in the home, the article said.
The mother suffered very severe injuries and is not expected to survive. The girl could be charged with murder if her mother dies, officials said. A motive for the alleged assault is not known. The teenager has now been arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
This is an extremely tragic incident given the relationship between the two people involved, the circumstances and the age of the girl. Juveniles can be prosecuted for any of the same crimes for which adults can be prosecuted. This 14-year-old girl will most likely not be tried in adult court, but in some other cases where the defendant is close to 18 years of age, the prosecution may decide to try them as an adult.
Juvenile court records are off-limits to the public and the media and proceedings are not open to the public either. But that does not mean that prosecutors wear kid gloves when it comes to trying these cases. Although the juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate young offenders, the prosecution is often extremely aggressive with these cases. Under a new California law, minors who are charged with violent crimes may be tried as adults without a hearing before a juvenile court judge.
Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable juvenile crimes defense attorney can make all the difference in your child’s case. You need a competent attorney with a thorough knowledge of juvenile law who can lead you through the complex court system. If your child has been accused of a crime in San Diego, call the Law Offices of Stephen Brodsky to discuss your case. We have defended hundreds of people successfully. Our goal is to keep your child out of jail and get you the help you need. Call us today for a free consultation.
