Teenager Assaulted a Parent - What Are the Consequences

[sodacan]

My question involves criminal law for the state of:California

I pushed my dad and his head hit the corner of a chair then I punched his eye. He had a headache all week so he went to the primary doctor who referred him to a specialist. When his head hit the chair it caused bleeding in between his brain and skull creating pressure with possible permanent damage. The specialist proceeded to ask how he got the injuries and might call cops. If I do get arrested would I go to juvenile hall or county? I do not have any priors.

[Dogmatique]

Say nothing else.

Get an attorney - IMMEDIATELY.

You could be looking at attempted murder or worse.

[sodacan]

My dad tried downplaying the situation and told doctor it was a one time thing and that it won't happen again. He's on my side but this doctor is not.

Say nothing else.

Get an attorney - IMMEDIATELY.

You could be looking at attempted murder or worse.

You've gotta be kidding me. Attempted murder? He doesn't need surgery or anything. Just some type of hot thing they put on his head and an iv.

[cdwjava]

The doctor will almost certainly report the attack as it is a felony battery. If he does, and if the police come calling, you have the right to remain silent. But, the doctor's reports and dad's statement as to what happened may well be enough to support an immediate arrest and incarceration into juvenile hall.

This could be charged as battery with great bodily injury, or battery with force likely to cause great injury or death. Both serious and violent felonies.

[Dogmatique]

Which part of "say nothing else" didn't you read, kiddo?

SERIOUSLY.

The DA does NOT need your Dad's testimony to prosecute you. Understand?

And frankly - do you understand that your father might still DIE?

Oh like yeah I'm like totally kidding you.

No. I'm not kidding.

Permanent brain damage, you say? He's not out of the woods yet. Stop. Talking. NOW.

[sodacan]

Is it possible for them to prosecute me as an adult? What kind of consequences am I looking at?

[cdwjava]

Is it possible for them to prosecute me as an adult? What kind of consequences am I looking at?

Yes, you can be prosecuted as an adult, and the consequences could include incarceration in a state facility (CYA if a true finding is made as a juvenile, ore state prison if tried as an adult). You may get lucky and they may charge you on a lesser charge if they believe this was an accident and not egregious ... it is hard to say without knowing all the details. However, a lot depends on what your history might be.

[sodacan]

What would they need to try me as an adult? Is it based on severity? By history do you mean criminal history? I have never been arrested or detained or had any run ins with the law. Do they always report assaults? It's already been over a week since his doctor visit.

[cdwjava]

What would they need to try me as an adult? Is it based on severity? By history do you mean criminal history? I have never been arrested or detained or had any run ins with the law. Do they always report assaults? It's already been over a week since his doctor visit.

Something that severe should have been reported. And, yes, I mean a criminal history - and, maybe even issues at school and at home dealing with violence and defiance.

Whether you can be charged as an adult will depend on the facts of the case and the presence of any aggravating factors. If the extensive injury was not the result of a vicious and intentional assault intending to cause great harm, and there no history of violence, they may go after you as a juvenile ... if pursued at all.