11 gangbangers BUSTED

[blondemoments]

Originally Posted by Tee

Whether they get off or go to jail, the tax-paying, law abiding citizen loses. The burden to the taxpayer will be huge either way. Right from the get-go, we'll be supplying court appointed (taxpayer funded) attorneys. How much you wanna bet that all 11 "clients" will miraculously be unable to afford representation?

Aren't Juveniles automatically appointed lawyers?

unless I misunderstood, I was told that they aren't even asked if they can afford reprensentation, but if they retain one after the court appoints a lawyer, thier retained lawyer will put in an appearance before the court.

Then after they are sentenced the court can order them to pay the lawyer fees before getting off probation.

It's different than with adults who have to fill out an application if they want a court appointed lawyer, and then the Judge decides if they are able to afford representation and can deny or allow thier request.

I could be wrong, but that is how I understood it.

[357 mag]

Originally Posted by blondemoments

Aren't Juveniles automatically appointed lawyers?

unless I misunderstood, I was told that they aren't even asked if they can afford reprensentation, but if they retain one after the court appoints a lawyer, thier retained lawyer will put in an appearance before the court.

Then after they are sentenced the court can order them to pay the lawyer fees before getting off probation.

It's different than with adults who have to fill out an application if they want a court appointed lawyer, and then the Judge decides if they are able to afford representation and can deny or allow thier request.

I could be wrong, but that is how I understood it.

You are absolutely right! Juveniles can not go to court after their first appearance without representation by an attorney. They have the right to hire their own but if they choose not to one will be appointed at their first appearance hearing.

[moody cyst]

[quote=CRAZY HORSE;760
Would also feel the needy parents would be unable to pay any damages because the many lawyers fees would come first
[/quote]

If restitution is ordered it is always the first thing to get paid out. Lawyer fees and court costs always takes a back seat to restitution, whether it be a criminal case or a juvenile case.

Also, most people don't understand that both adults and juveniles are sentenced according to a juvenile justice code or a sentencing guideline grid. Those must be followed or the sentencing is reversed. Criminals/juveniles are not going to jail/prison for their first offense of misdmeanor/felony criminal damage to property. If you don't like the code/guideline contact our legislature to change that, don't yell at the people just doing their jobs according to the law.