Social media has become a weapon of the 21st century. It can be particularly lethal when used by teenagers against teenagers. The days of schoolyard bullying seem almost quaint by comparison to today’s online rants that can pursue a child not just in the schoolyard but everywhere he or she goes in Texas. There is no safe haven. Such harassment may drive a person to execute an action they might not otherwise commit and leave the individual in need of a juvenile defense.
A 16-year-old high school junior is accused of stabbing two people, one of whom died. The two teens confronted the accused in the driveway of her home. The dispute concerned a series of social media posts, some of which included threats. It is unclear whether the girl acted in self-defense.
At a recent detention hearing, the defense requested that the girl be released to her parents custody for her own protection. Social media threats had allegedly been made against her indicating that the person issuing the threats knew people in custody who could get to her. The prosecution argued against this as it was the prosecution’s opinion that the girl is a threat to herself or others. The judge ordered the girl remain in custody until her next court date.
When a child gets into trouble with the law the family can feel like their world is falling apart. The family may not be aware of the options that may be available to them. Seeking the counsel of an attorney experienced in juvenile defense can be helpful in determining the legal options that may be available. A lawyer well-versed in juvenile law in Texas can review the case, inform the young person of his or her rights and ensure that those rights are protected throughout the legal process.
