Penalty for a Juvenile's Assault of a Parent

[dentalfairy]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA

My 13 yr old son was arrested for simple battery for grabbing my arm during an argument and vandalism for breaking a table in the house and using the leg to break a door. He has a diagnosis of ADHD but had been off his medication for one year because he was doing amazing without it. Then 8th grade started and his hormones went a little haywire with puberty. He has never been in trouble at school or with the law. I called his psychologist immediately after the police took him to the juvenile center and he told me to put him back on his meds right away after hearing what happened. My son was released the same afternoon and started his meds the next day and he has done a 180 degree change. He brought all his grades up, his uncontrolled emotional outburst never happened again. Two months later I got a letter from the DA saying we have court for these two charges. I am very scared for my son obviously since I know this was a one time incident due to not being on his medication. I have started to process of putting him in the Big Brother program as well, just for additional support for him. We have had several follow up visits with his doctor and everything is going great. Is there a possibility of the charges being dropped at all? If not, what are some possible consequences he could face? I couldn't take it if he were sent to jail. Also, do I need a lawyer with us at court? I am the one who called the police in the first place when he lost control. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Disagreeable]

He should have a lawyer.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Is there a possibility of the charges being dropped at all?

A chance? Yes, but the odds depend upon the court's review of his home, school, and community records and prior encounters with law enforcement, along with the court's assessment of how much oversight the child needs to get his life back on track. Consequences for a juvenile, adjudicated delinquent, range from community supervision to detention.