11 year old girl charged with felony assault

I have mixed feelings about this one:

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/news/071...t_charges.html

Although, in one sense I can see the police point of view, in another sense I think it is a giant overreaction.

When we were kids we had rock fights all the time ...got busted by parents and neighbors, too. Then my kid and the other kids on the block had rock fights. We all busted them and gave them all a good talking to.

It's not like this little girl is a cold, ruthless bully or something. It's clear she knew she made a mistake and ran for help instantly.

I think it's pretty sad when a little kid can get a felony record for a kid thing to do.

[both_of_us]

When I was 4 yrs old, a boy threw a rock at me and blinded me in one eye. I do take rock throwing very seriously because I know firsthand what kind of damage it can cause.

I think this case is a little ridiculous though.
She shouldn't have been throwing rocks but charging her with a felony??
I agree that they are overreacting.

OMG Yes rock throwing can lead to some serious consequences....that being said, how many kids do not throw a rock at one time or another.....the felony charge is ridiculous IMO...

restriction, extra chores, an apology, would all be appropriate...but a FELONY CHARGE?

Originally posted by both_of_us
When I was 4 yrs old, a boy threw a rock at me and blinded me in one eye. I do take rock throwing very seriously because I know firsthand what kind of damage it can cause.

I think this case is a little ridiculous though.
She shouldn't have been throwing rocks but charging her with a felony??
I agree that they are overreacting.

I'm sorry to hear of your incident.My head was a magnent for rocks.On 3 seperate occasions i had to get stitches as a result.

I totally agree with all of you. Definitely an overreaction and completely overcharging in this case. The lawyer for Maribel says it all. They are treating this 11 year old "like she's a violent parole offender". IMO, law enforcement and the justice system need to focus more attention on the every growing problem of released and reoffending child molesters. They are more of a threat to society than this 11 year old girl. I just hope the reaction in Fresno does not deter her from protecting herself in the future.

I agree with all of you so far. LE is over-reacting. This is a little girl defending herself, not a viscious out of control felon. I think the 5 days she spent in juvvie has probably been punishment enough.

Originally posted by annicablue
I agree with all of you so far. LE is over-reacting. This is a little girl defending herself, not a viscious out of control felon. I think the 5 days she spent in juvvie has probably been punishment enough.

I agree, except for one thing. I think the 5 days she spent in juvvie were waay too much punishment for something even these LE Officers probably did as children!

Originally posted by Pixie_Face


I agree, except for one thing. I think the 5 days she spent in juvvie were waay too much punishment for something even these LE Officers probably did as children!

It's true. Especially considering that juvie is more like real jail these days than just "juvie". She went in with murderers and worse. I think a misdemeanor citation would be as far as it should have gone, if anywhere.

[both_of_us]

Charges Dropped!

"Her attorneys report that Maribel and her family are hugely relieved that the Fresno police department's felony assault charges against Maribel were dropped on August 3, 2005. The family looks forward to recuperating for the rest of the summer before school starts up again for Maribel. The Cuevas family and their attorneys are very grateful for the international and national support that everyone has provided! Thank you all!"

http://www.freemaribel.com/