Students at City College in Harlem were frightened after a recent threat. According to police, a 21-year-old man texted messages in which he threatened a shooting at the school. Two days after the threat, a student was arrested and charged with second-degree aggravated harassment and making terroristic threats.
Because the man allegedly used racial epithets in his text messages, prosecutors have indicted him with hate crime charges with increased penalties. https://localtoday.news/ny/nyc-student-arrested-for-threatening-to-shoot-city-college-then-released-without-bail-78445.html
The student was released from jail without bond. Under New York Penal Law 240.30 he could face up to one year imprisonment, three years’ probation, and mandated community service, fines or restitution.
As a parent, what would you do?
Imagine receiving a telephone call to inform you that your own college-age child was arrested and charged with a crime. What would you do? A conviction can remain on someone’s record for the rest of their life in New York, leading to a lifetime of reduced opportunities.
You and your child are likely to be terrified and unsure of what to expect. The New York Penal System is neither easy nor pleasant to navigate.
You need an advocate on your side who knows the system, understands all potential consequences, and can build the best criminal defense possible for your loved one. Most of all, you need an attorney who is compassionate and invested in protecting your child’s future.
We all make mistakes. As parents, we sometimes need to help our children navigate theirs. Finding someone who you can trust to protect their freedom should be at the top of the to-do list.