[Nevaeh75]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NC

My son got into a fight in school with a boy his age (16) after one week of hearing the boy's mouth. He finally drew back to hit my son and he assaulted him and broke his glasses in excess of $200 and a lunch table leg was also broken. They suspended my son for ten days, then charged him with simple assault and destruction of private property and put him in jail under a
$1,000 secured bond. My question is: What is the punishment for these two crimes since he is only a 16-year-old juvenile and the incident happened at a public school. The other boy got 3 days suspension and did no jail time. My son did not start the fight, but he was not going to stand there and let the boy hit him. Does he need a lawyer?? His first court date is March 6, 2009 and I really need some legal advice! He has no prior criminal record and this is his first offense for both charges.
Thank you for your kind attention and replies.

Signed,

Concerned Parent

[Arf417]

When he goes to court in a few days, they will more than likely have a plea deal for him. Fines, probation, and who knows, maybe community service. If it was me, take that kind of deal. As long as it doesnt have any jail time, take it. They may also offer him a pre-trail program that if he completes (anger management), they charges will be dismissed. He is under 18 so it will be sealed once he is an adult and not haunt him. I wouldnt suggest wasting a money on a lawyer yet, see how this first calender call goes and then decide. The DA will come up to him and you will be able to listen and have your input. Worse case worse, plead not guilty and get a lawyer, but this is honestly a tiny case and the courts are not going to want to spend time and money on a school fight that wasnt really violent.