I’m sorry for not providing an update. We’re still waiting to find out what’s going on.
My ex-husband and I been told by a lawyer that the juvenile justice system here is not really anxious to throw a kid with no previous problems into the legal meatgrinder. There will be a meeting with us (the parents) and juvenile authorities to discuss the charges and what should be done. There are apparently some positive options that would involve avoiding a criminal record altogether. If this can be worked out, then there would be no difficulty about my son going into the Marines.
The hate crime accusation is another issue, however. Especially here, in an area where CAIR is very active. This is what worries me the most.
My son and his friends together decided to write letters of apology to the construction company, and my boy wrote to the man he had insulted. I was not present at this event, but I have it on good authority that these tough construction workers (normal American working men) sat down with the boys and heard them out, and the meeting went well. Not sure how the Muslim guy took it. Turns out he’s an American.
Anyway, nobody’s in jail yet. The cops may be continuing with their investigation. I could call the investigating detective but I’m procrastinating due to a fear of hearing unpleasant news.
Some of you who are LEOs and military or ex-military may think it’s not a good idea for a boy like this to join the armed forces. I think it would be good for him and is just the sort of thing he needs. In the past six months he has lost some men who meant a great deal to him and provided him with strong guidance; he loved these guys, all military men, and they were a great force for good in his life. He went off the rails after they were gone. The structure of the USMC could be very helpful to him. He does want to serve his country.
Thanks all for caring and for your prayers. Your advice has lightened my load and dried some of my tears. Will report back when I have some firm information.
**lawyer that the juvenile justice system here is not really anxious to throw a kid with no previous problems into the legal meatgrinder**
I did and he turned 180 degress around. He is the attorney of the family!
My husband died when he was nine, so I went through some similar, but not quite to harrowing experiences.
Prayers for you.
Have you ever heard of Teen Challenge?
It’s like a boot camp for kids like your son. When they come out then, they do service work under supervision.