Q: My 14 yr old son was charged with 4th degree assault and arrested what will happen to him
My son got into a altercation at school where he was pushing another kid because the kid was bullying his friend. they ended up wrestling around and my son allegedly punched him in the face..they have a video of it but they cant say 100% that his fist hit the kids face..now he's charged with 4th degree assault and they arrested him.. what will happen to him this is his first offense
A: Your son should qualify for a diversion agreement if he has no prior criminal history and no prior diversions. This would be completed instead of an actual court action against him. He may be required to attend a class, meet with a diversion board or some type of remedial service. The benefit of a diversion is that it is even more of a rehabilitation system than juvenile court and there are no findings of guilt. I am not familiar with your jurisdiction in Vancouver specifically, but based upon the information provided, this would be a mandatory diversion. The State may also amend the charge to a lesser charge such as disorderly conduct, which may be appropriate - if not outright dismissed. I would recommend contacting a juvenile attorney in your area to sit down and discuss the process. Best of luck to you and your family.
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