A juvenile delinquency proceeding was brought before Judge Joan Posner sitting in the Family Court of Dutchess County. The presentment agency had brought a petition against a minor named Jared J.P. The allegations were that Jared had committed acts which constituted an attempted assault and the crime of menacing if he were charged as an adult. They sought to have Jared adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent.
Jared was represented by a court appointed guardian ad litem in this proceeding. The guardian ad litem requested the court dismiss the case against Jared in the interest of justice.
Jared Was Autistic
The allegations were that Jared, who was 16 years old, had been diagnosed with autism and additional mental illnesses. This diagnosis was initially made when he was 7 years old. The court appointed guardian ad litem for Jared claimed since the incident took place, he had been in a residential therapeutic educational institution. While at this residential facility his conduct had improved dramatically. In addition, it was pointed out by Jared’s attorney his family would not cooperate with regard to his prosecution. They did not want to traumatize his brothers and sisters and grandmother by forcing them to testify at trial.
A Finding of Juvenile Delinquency Would Serve No Purpose
Judge Posner rendered a decision dismissing the juvenile delinquency petition brought by the presentment agency. In her decision she stated finding Jared was a juvenile delinquent would not serve a useful purpose. In fact, she held it would be an injustice to punish Jared. Judge Posner found it was in Jared’s best interests he should remain at the residential therapeutic educational facility and it was not necessary for the court to take any further action on this case.
The Law Offices of Schlissel DeCorpo has extensive experience in representing minors with regard to Family Court proceedings concerning juvenile delinquency issues and criminal proceedings brought in the Criminal Courts against minors throughout the Metropolitan New York area.
