My 14yr. old stole two guns from homes he broke into. He brought them into our home--loaded and kept them in his dresser til we found them. Can we press any charges for him bringing the guns into our home?
2006-07-27 08:58:19 · 34 answers · asked by Jenintn 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
We already turned him in. Police only charged him with aggravated burglary.
2006-07-27 09:07:07 · update #1
For those who are attacking me, realize this: I have 3more children, 11, 23mos., and 2mos. of age! My toddler could've easily got these guns and killed himself or someone else in the home. When this point was made to my teen his response was "SO". Would u feel safe with him in your house?
2006-07-27 13:07:15 · update #2
If you have already turned him in, and he was charged with aggravated burg for breaking into the homes and stealing the guns then no you can't. That would be double jeopardy. This is assuming of course that the police already know about the guns in your house and that the guns were given back to the police. If you found the guns after he was charged with the burg then you could call the police back and let them know that you found them. He could be charged with possession of stolen firearms.
BTW, the state presses or pursues charges against an individual you can't. You can request to have him charged, but it is up to the state to determine if there is enough evidence to charge him.
I admire you for what you are doing. Most parents wouldn't do this.
2006-07-27 09:32:07 · answer #1 · answered by aitutaki98 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well.....I'd say no. I do think however that if the police are involved investigating the original complaint regarding the theft of the guns then he's in enough hot water already. You can however use discipline in your own household when it comes to this.
The down side is that either you or your husband will have to take time out from your schedules to accompany junior to court until the case is resolved. Of courtse burglary and illegal possession of firearms happens to each be a felony (one count for each home broken into and one count for each gun). not a good start for a 14 year old.
But just your questions shows that you're responsible parents. Good for you.
2006-07-27 09:04:10 · answer #2 · answered by Quasimodo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about for bringing them into your home, but the owner of the guns could and probably should press charges! And there may also be local and state laws that were broken. But chances are he will also be charged with residential burglary, which is a felony, I'm not sure what kind of sentence he would get, every state law is different regarding Juvenal's.
2006-07-27 09:04:22 · answer #3 · answered by The Prez. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you go down to the police station and have a chat with the Chief, or someone in charge. Let them know your level of concern and that you want to teach your son a lesson. They will probably be glad to work with you. For example, they could throw him in the "slammer" for a certain length of time, until you're ready to bail him out. Depending on how sensitive this young boy is, he could be pretty traumatized by this experience. That's where the advance talk with the police could help manage the situation.
You could proceed with charges, depending on how your discussion with the police goes, or possibly work something out to get him back home with a warning. Thing is, you could lose him to juvenile detention, depending on how he is processed, possible charges brought by the gun owners, priors, etc. Food for thought.
2006-07-27 09:07:50 · answer #4 · answered by EXPO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your son is performing actions like these under your nose, then you are not a controlling factor in his life as every parent should be.
He has committed serious crimes including Breaking and Entering, Burglary, Grand Larceny (depending of the value of the guns).
Jail time isn't going to help him. Help him understand the seriousness of his crimes, and have him confess, appologize, and hand over the guns to the gun owners.
It should be up to the gun owners to press charges.
2006-07-27 09:06:39 · answer #5 · answered by Jerry H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well! did you raise your 14 year old right, because when I was that age I would never think about bringing a gun into my parents house. Now after you press charges against him he might get mad at you and shoot you, because if he had them in his possesion it was because he was thinking about shooting somebody. That is what happen with you people when ye let your kids do whatever the hell they want, and they don't have any curfews, and no rules. good luck.
2006-07-27 09:13:54 · answer #6 · answered by Halal Pig Ok in Islam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am speaking from experience. I have a 13 year old son and he has his share of getting into trouble. Yes, there is something that you can do. I would contact your local law enforcement. Get them involved. If you just set back an do nothing then he will think he can continue. Put a stop to it now!
2006-07-27 09:09:03 · answer #7 · answered by countrydreamer71 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can, and the sooner the better. Junior needs to understand who the in charge adults are. Sounds like the boy needs a little boot camp to use up his excess energy in a more productive way.
2006-07-27 09:05:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You wouldn't actually be pressing charges since you weren't the victim of a crime. But you should definitely call the police and consent to a search of your home so that they can recover the weapons and whatever other contraband he is hiding.
2006-07-27 09:04:22 · answer #9 · answered by ovrwrkdlawyr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will most likely be charged with more than just bringing guns into your home....burglary, grand theft, illegal possession of a firearm...etc...you may want to consult a lawyer and a family counselor.
2006-07-27 09:02:21 · answer #10 · answered by Mac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋