Palm Beach Homicide Case Illustrates Importance of Experienced Criminal Defense

A 20-year-old Belle Glade man is facing a murder charge in Palm Beach in connection with the killing of a 15-year-old boy, the Palm Beach Post reported.

A veteran Palm Beach criminal defense attorney must always be called to handle such cases. Whether juvenile charges in Broward or Palm Beach, or whether a teen or young person is charged as an adult, the outcome will impact the rest of a young person’s life.

The Post reports a 17-year-old also faces first-degree murder charges. Both defendants were arrested and charged Thursday with the killing of a South Bay teen. The 15-year-old victim was found shot to death on Sunday in the yard of a residence on Northwest 11th Avenue.

Witnesses reported the boy was walking in the area and attempted to flee when the defendants began shooting from a Toyota Camry. Both defendants were arrested by gang unit detectives.

The teen was booked into the Juvenile Assessment Center. No court appearance has been announced.

An experienced juvenile defense attorney in Palm Beach may be able to help this teen prevent this case from resulting in decades behind bars. A thorough and independent review of the evidence should be conducted before deciding upon any course of action. Challenging evidence found as a result of search warrants is one avenue of defense that will be thoroughly evaluated.

Determining the extent of his involvement will go a long way toward determining whether the charges should be fought in court or whether his interests will be best served by negotiating with prosecutors. Frequently investigators will charge each defendant in a case, knowing those who were less involved will likely be successful in seeking a reduction or dismissal. However, a defendant does not have to pull the trigger to be charged and convicted of murder. Participation in the crime, even passive participation, is often enough for prosecutors to win a conviction.

Such charges frequently lead to defendants who point the finger at one another. Having a veteran attorney on board from the earliest stages of a case is the best bet for protecting your rights.

If you are facing criminal charges in Broward or Palm Beach counties, contact the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert, a Partnership of Former Prosecutors, for a free consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1.888.5.DEFEND.