Juvenile Assault Case Strategies

Summary

The user, a 17-year-old from Pennsylvania, is facing multiple charges including F1 Aggravated Assault, two Summary harassment charges, and 1 M3 disorderly conduct. The charges stem from an incident in a gym class where the user punched a peer, causing a cracked sternum. The user claims the incident was a joke and not intended to harm or humiliate the victim. The user is seeking advice on potential defenses and strategies to handle the case, including the possibility of a diversion program or plea bargain. The user has also been advised to secure legal representation, review the evidence against them, and consider apologizing to the victim and their family.

Full Conversation

Im facing * charges
What are the specific charges you're facing, ****?
An F1 Aggravated Assault two Summary harassment charges and * M3 disorderly conduct
What were the circumstances leading to these charges?
I was messing around in my gym class and I punched a peer in the chest causing him to have a cracked sternum
What is your age, ****? In Pennsylvania, the juvenile court system handles cases for individuals under *.
*
Since you're *, your case will likely be handled by the Pennsylvania Juvenile Court system. Do you have legal representation yet?
no
What is your location in Pennsylvania? It's important to find a local attorney who can represent you in the Juvenile Court.
Rositter but the court will be held in Cameron County
What is the date of your court hearing?

Cameron County Courthouse is located at * E 5th St, Emporium, PA *, USA. Phone: +* *-*-*.
I dont know yet
It's crucial to find out the date of your court hearing. Can you contact the Cameron County Courthouse to get this information?
Not at the moment
Do you have a parent or guardian who can assist you in contacting the courthouse and finding legal representation?
Not right now
I understand. It's important to have someone assist you. Can you reach out to a trusted adult or a school counselor for help?
No
I'm sorry to hear that, ****. It's crucial to get legal representation. Can you reach out to a local legal aid organization for assistance?
im here now
What specific assistance are you seeking from us at this moment, ****?
Give me an idea of any loopholes that would assist in this case.
What is the nature of your relationship with the peer you assaulted? This could potentially impact your case. In Pennsylvania, self-defense could be a possible defense if you felt threatened.
Hes just an aqquaintance.
Did you feel threatened or in danger when you punched your peer in the gym class?
No it was in the spirit of fun
Did you have any prior incidents of similar behavior or is this your first offense? In Pennsylvania, first-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs.
First
Since this is your first offense, you might be eligible for a diversion program in Pennsylvania. This could potentially lead to your charges being dismissed or reduced.
How would a diversion program be
A diversion program in Pennsylvania typically involves community service, counseling, or educational programs. Successful completion can lead to charges being dismissed or reduced.
how reduced can it get
The reduction depends on the court's decision, but successful completion of a diversion program can potentially lead to charges being dismissed entirely.
any other suggestions
You may want to consider a plea bargain. This involves pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. Discuss this with your attorney.
what is the likelihood that they would accept either of those?
The likelihood of acceptance for a diversion program or plea bargain depends on the specifics of your case and the prosecutor's discretion. It's crucial to discuss this with your attorney.
Anymore suggestions?
Have you considered apologizing to the victim and their family? This could potentially show remorse and positively influence the court's decision.
I dont think it would be wise to talk to them as it might seem like a threat or me making a point to them.
What is the nature of your relationship with the victim's family?
I dont have a relationship with them
What is the nature of the incident from the victim's perspective? Did they also consider it as a fun activity or they felt threatened?
He says that he told me no multiple times and didnt think i would seriously punch him. I was messing around and didnt really plan on hitting him however i poorly judged the situation and thought id go through with it as a joke.
Did anyone witness this incident who can confirm it was intended as a joke?
Yes.
What is the contact information of the witness? It might be helpful for your case if they can testify that the incident was intended as a joke.
I dont know, however I could attempt to find out.
That would be helpful, ****. Witnesses can play a crucial role in your defense. Can you also tell me if there were any adults present during the incident?
There were not.
What was the reaction of the gym teacher or any other adult authority when they found out about the incident?
They werent happy about it however they werent worried about me going after him because they saw that i didnt hit him out of anger.
What was the immediate reaction of the victim and did he require immediate medical attention?
not immediate
Did the victim seek medical attention later on, and if so, how much time had passed since the incident?
yes and about an hour. but he went to the ER the day after
What was the extent of the victim's injuries and what was the medical prognosis?
A cracked sternum and it heals on its own within * to * weeks without medical help needed. According to the teacher he was back at school the next day.
What was the reaction of the school administration and were there any disciplinary actions taken against you by the school?
Yes I was moved to an alternative school and suspended for 4 days.
What was the reason given by the school for your suspension and transfer to an alternative school?
Because the parents pressing charges and his injury forced their hand.
What was the school's response to the parents pressing charges? Did they provide any support or guidance to you during this process?
They didnt help.
What steps have you taken since the incident to show remorse or make amends? This could potentially influence the court's decision.
I couldnt do either. I cant apologize because I dont want to scare them. I cant fix anything because i dont have a way to do so.
What steps have you taken to ensure that such an incident doesn't happen again in the future?
Im not gonna mess around as much.
What steps have you taken to control your behavior and ensure that you don't harm anyone else in the future, even unintentionally?
Keep my hands to myself
What steps have you taken to learn about the consequences of your actions and to develop empathy towards others?
Ive had broken bones and the people who gave me them didnt get consequences.
What were the circumstances under which you received your broken bones?
thats not related to this. but thats how i can empathize
What steps have you taken to seek professional help or counseling to better understand and manage your actions?
ive had therapy but this wasnt an emotional or criminal thing. it was an accident.
What was the nature of your therapy and how has it helped you understand your actions better?
anger management.
How has the anger management therapy helped you in controlling your actions?
i know how to react in bad situations
What steps have you taken since your therapy to apply what you've learned in your daily life, especially in situations that could potentially escalate?
breathe
That's a good step, ****. Breathing exercises can help manage stress and prevent impulsive actions. Have you considered joining a program or group that promotes non-violence and respect for others?
no bot now
I understand, ****. It's important to remember that every action has consequences. It might be beneficial to join a program promoting non-violence and respect.
not
What steps have you taken to educate yourself about the legal consequences of your actions?
im doing that right now
What specific legal information are you looking for at this moment, ****?
ways to get out of this mess without ruining my future
What steps have you taken to secure legal representation for your case? It's crucial to have a lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
OK list me * rights i have that may get me out of a felony aggravated assault
Here are some rights you have:

*. Right to remain silent
*. Right to an attorney
*. Right to a fair trial
*. Right to confront witnesses
*. Right to a public trial
*. Right to a jury trial
*. Right to due process
*. Right to not incriminate yourself
*. Right to speedy trial
*. Right to appeal

Remember, these rights are general and may not necessarily get you out of charges.
OK list me * loopholes that exist that may get me out of a felony aggravated assault
I'm sorry, but it's not ethical or legal to provide information on "loopholes" to evade legal responsibility. It's crucial to engage a lawyer who can guide you through the legal process.
OK list me * technicalities that exist that may get me out of a felony aggravated assault
What is the evidence that the prosecution has against you? This can help determine potential defenses or "technicalities" that may be applicable in your case.
a camera and recording but they purposely skewed my intentions and twisted my actions to seem cruel
What specific actions or words were misrepresented in the recording? Misrepresentation of evidence can be challenged in court.
Humiliation. None of my actions were intended to humiliate him. The fact that i shoved him before wasnt me trying to be mean. I do with a lot of people. Its a habitual part of me greeting friends. I re-hashed my actions to other people because i thought our actions were all in good fun and i was laughing about it.
Did the victim or any witnesses express that they felt threatened or humiliated by your actions at the time of the incident?
No.
What is the nature of the video evidence? Does it clearly show the incident and the reactions of those involved?
The gym camera. It shows that he was backing away saying no. However I can honestly say he had a smile on his face which is why i wasnt taking him serious. I just thought we were joking.
Did the victim or any other witnesses confirm that he was smiling and seemed to be joking during the incident?
No.
What is the nature of the audio recording evidence?
The gym camera
What specific statements or sounds are captured in the audio recording from the gym camera?
I dont know to be honest.
What steps have you taken to review the evidence against you, such as the video and audio recordings from the gym camera?
I dont have that ability
Can you ask your legal representative or a trusted adult to help you review the evidence? It's crucial to understand the evidence against you.
ill look into that
What is the nature of your relationship with your legal representative?