[ukmomusa]

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Colorado

My 15 year old son was fooling around with a lazer pen light pointing at moving cars after dark. He received a ticket. At court he pled guilty but the judge pressed my husband "Are you sure you want him to plead guilty.This is a serious offense" saying this several times. My husband overrulled my son and pled Not guilty for him, as he felt that this was what the judge was compelling him to do in not so many words.
Now we have an appointment with the prosecuter. I have no idea what to expect at this meeting, how to prepare and what my son might be looking at as a punishment. It was a dumb thing to do, but my son doesn't drive and I don't think maliciously wanted to hurt anyone. Should he be punished ...Yes, but what should I do next. I expected him to get community service hours and maybe a fine and few months of probation, not for it to go any further.
Any ideas??

[cyjeff]

He needs an attorney.

You dont' want something like this on his record.

[aaron]

We can reasonably infer that the judge believes your son can plea bargain to a lesser charge. What is the charge against him (statute number)?

[ukmomusa]

I am not sure what the statute number is. Does it begin with a "J". To plead to a lesser charge would we need a lawyer or can parents do this for their kid and request it not to go on his file? As for most of us these days money is very short and if we can achieve the same result we would rather not hire a lawyer. I don't think we would get a court appointed free lawyer unless they only take into account my sons inability to pay.