strongarm robbery by minor

[Redding]

Last Friday my son's bike was stolen, and the police officer who is handling the case said it was a "robbery by threat of violence". The person who took the bike is a minor (13), and I have been told an arrest will likely be made tomorrow afternoon. The officer also told me that it sounds like the robber already sold the bike.

After the arrest is made is there anything I can do to make sure the deuputy district attorney doesn't plead the case down to a meaningless slap on the hand? I am in Shasta County. Any advice or help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Spaffo]

He'll get put on probation. It would be unusual for a 13 year old to be kept in juvenile detention, unless he has a super-bad record. Under 14, the investigator must ask a series of questions to show the minor knows right from wrong.

[Redding]

Thank you for the reply. It is super frustrating to learn about how much the investigator's hands are tied in the investigation, and then after they put the time and effort into building the case the DA's office essentially flushes their efforts.

[003]

If the suspect is in fact 13 years old, it will be handled in Juvenile court. All juvenile court proceedings are confidential and not open to the public.

Talk to the DA's office, there is a provision in law that will allow the DA to provide identifying information of a minor if it is for the purpose of a victim seeking to file a civil action for financial reimbursement.

[Garv]

^^^
Small claims court if you have the time/energy.

Hold the parents accountable for their little darling.

[Spaffo]

Generally restitution is part of the conditions of probation, but good luck collecting.