Teenagers are not exactly known for their great decision-making skills, but should poor decisions made during those years define their future? Unfortunately, this is often the case for juvenile offenders. Even if records do not directly follow them into adulthood, legal consequences can profoundly influence the course of their lives.
A 16-year-old in Washington is facing some fairly serious charges following a traffic stop. Police allegedly pulled him over after spotting him traveling at more than 110 mph on the interstate. He was initially arrested for reckless driving, but police expect to file at least two more charges — one for a DUI, and another for driving without a license.
It is not clear how police determined that he might have been intoxicated at the time. Police also noted that there was a 15-year-old passenger in the vehicle. Washington State Patrol troopers have complained that there have been more speeding incidents recently because fewer people have been driving. They say that wide open roads make it tempting to drive at faster speeds.
Washington parents are understandably worried when their teens are facing criminal charges. Juvenile offenders can still face serious legal consequences, including time in juvenile detention facilities. Minimizing those potential consequences is a priority, so many parents choose to speak with an experienced party about their options for doing so.