Two boys, ages 16 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of beating up a convenience store clerk and a good Samaritan who came to the clerk’s aid during a beer robbery at a Circle K store in Garden Grove. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the teens were arrested after police released a video of the robbery and the beating, bringing media attention to the incident. The surveillance video showed two males repeatedly hitting the clerk after he asked them about their age as they tried to buy an 18-pack of beer. The teens were taken to Orange County Juvenile Hall where they were booked on suspicion of robbery. The clerk did not suffer serious injuries, officials say.
Robbery and assault are both serious crimes that can have serious consequences. Robbery is considered a “violent crime” even if there are no injuries or the incident involves minor injuries, because there is always the threat of violence. According to California Penal Code Section 211, “Robbery is the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.”
Juvenile crimes may be handled in juvenile or adult court depending on the age of the victim and the seriousness of the crime. Violent crime in Orange County involving teens close to 18 years of age often tend to be handled in adult court, which means the punishment can be more severe. This is why it is critical for parents to contact an experienced Orange County juvenile crime defense lawyer who has experience handling violent crime cases involving young people. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will be able to keep the case in juvenile court, which will not only help reduce the penalties, but also keep it away from the media.
The experienced Garden Grove juvenile crime defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jeremy Goldman have a long and successful track record of defending juveniles accused of violent crimes. Please contact us at (800) 349-1619 to find out how we can help your child.
