Can I stop the train? I don't want to damage the kids.

Hi. The other day my neighbor observed two guys coming out of my garage. He noted the license plate, and I called the police. The only thing taken out of my garage was a 6 pack of beer from the fridge.

When my police showed up the next city over was already at the house where the vehicle was. The kids wouldn't come out of the house to talk with the police (dad was out of town), so the police impounded the vehicle. All three kids showed up at the police station promptly at 9am the next morning.

When I called the police, I suspected that these were goofball kids and wanted their parents to have to get involved.

OK, here's my problem. There were 3 kids total. 1 (driver) is 16, and his two buddies are 17. One of the 17 year olds came to our house last night to apologise for his actions. He's a clean cut kid, hitting his junior year in high school and is on the school's volleyball team. I truly believe that this was just hormonal stupidity with these kids.

However, the two 17 year olds were charged with 1st Deg Burglary, since we were home when they did this. I'm unclear on the 16 y/o since he is a considered a juvenile. I know his record, if he has one, will be sealed when he hits 17. BUT, I don't want the other two idiots to have a lifetime of trouble with their teenage stupidity.

We have NOT been asked to sign any complaints, and from what I see here, it's not required since the "crime" was reported. Especially since there was an eye witnes. Is there any way I can stop this madness? This is all over a 6 pack of beer....help!

In what state?

Oops - sorry about that - Missouri

In Missouri the two older teens would be treated as adults, as is implicit in your original post, as the juvenile court's jurisdiction ends at age 17.

Have you had any contact with, or opportunity to speak with, the county prosecutor who is handling the case? If so, you can convey your position to the prosecutor. If not, check to see if your county prosecutor's office has a victim's rights office, and express your concerns to that office.

You may find that they are willing to offer a favorable plea bargain, or some other resolution which will minimize the long-term impact on the offenders.

Cool. Our police department called us yesterday to give us the update. They had not yet contacted the prosecutor. It was our impression was that it was out of our hands, but if what you're stating is correct, then maybe I can put it out there that there was "no harm/no foul" from the "victims....ugh" standpoint.

The responding officer did not give us a case number when he left. He was supposed to, but he was anxious to get to the scene with the rest of the clan. Our department alone had 4 cars over there, and I can't imagine how many of the other city's officers were there. I'm really sure that these kids were scared to death.

Thanks for your help!

Aaron, again Thank You for all your advice. I just spoke with our arresting officer than confirmed everything you say. He did add that I CAN drop the charges since we could not guarantee some plea agreement could be worked out with the prosecutor. Since he hasn't yet presented it to the prosecutor, then I can get this whole mess cleared up, with a simply signature on a form. The parents are stepping up and that's what I wanted.

Thanks again!

Dee