Lake Forest, CA asked in Juvenile Law, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for California

Q: If a 14 year old girl gets into a fist fight with her 48 year old mom what are the consequences.

The 14 year old doesn't have any bruises but the mom was scrapped by nails on arm. But mom did bang the girls head into the house wall multiple times. Would either of them go to jail

1 Lawyer Answer
Susan G. Cohen
Susan G. Cohen
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The 14 year old child would be subject to Juvenile Court Jurisdiction. Juvenile Court has discretion about how to deal with the child. The mother is an adult. Given the level of force you describe, it is likely that the local District Attorney might bring serious charges against the mother. Children's Protective Services may also become involved, to protect the child. CPS when it intervenes can require mental health and counseling services, and it can remove the child from mother's care. You have described a serious situation. The mother would be wise to promptly retain counsel. The fourteen year old may want to contact a trusted family member or teacher for assistance. While the child should not be hitting the Mother, most District Attorney's and Judges would be alarmed by the amount of force the mother used.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.