The mass shooting that happened in February 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida is still on the minds of many. Victims who survived are still recovering from the tragedy.
The 19-year-old boy who committed the crime is currently behind bars. But authorities believe that a threat still exists: the boy’s younger brother. While the boy allegedly does not understand why his older brother would do such a thing, police believe the boy has the red flags as his brother, especially after a trespassing incident at the same Parkland school where 17 people were killed by his brother.
The younger brother was warned to stay away from the school after the mass shooting. However, he was recently caught at the school. He was arrested on March 19 after security cameras caught him trespassing on school grounds. He got past all locked gates and doors and proceeded to ride his skateboard on school property. The boy told authorities that he was at the school to “reflect on the school shooting and soak it in.”
The boy was adopted at a young age and left orphaned when his adoptive parents died. His caretaker was in New York at the time of his arrest.
Trespassing charges are often minor in Florida. Typical bail is set at $25. However, for the boy, bail was set at a whopping $500,000. The boy’s lawyer claims that the boy is being charged and punished simply because of who he is related to, not because of the actual crime.
Students and parents at the school do find the boy’s actions suspicious. They aren’t sure he would do the same thing as his brother, but then again, parents have accused the school of not seeing the red flags that his older brother had when he was a student there. In their minds, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Florida’s Trespassing Laws
Under Florida Statutes Section 810.09, trespassing on a property other than a structure or conveyance is punishable by a first degree misdemeanor. This crime is punishable by one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Depending on the circumstances, probation or other forms of punishment may be handed down instead.
Trespassing may include any of the following:
- Entering a person’s property to interfere with business
- Living in someone else’s house without their permission
- Refusing to leave someone’s else property after the owner has asked you to leave
- Refusing to leave a place of business or other public building while it is closed to the public and an employee has asked you to leave
Let Our Orlando, Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You
It appears that in this case, the boy was targeted simply because he is the brother of a mass murderer. This does not make a family member a mass murderer as well. His trespassing crime should not have been charged so harshly as it was.
If your teen has been charged with a criminal offense, it’s important to take swift action. Contact the aggressive Orlando criminal defense lawyers at Moses & Rooth. We will make sure your teen understands his or her legal rights and get the charges reduced or dropped altogether. We are available 24/7. To schedule your free consultation, give us a call at (407) 377-0150 or contact us online today.
Jay R. Rooth
Jay is an experienced and dedicated attorney. Whether you need help with a DUI or a more serious felony, Jay is ready to fight for you. Not only is Jay highly regarded by his peers, he’s also strongly recommended by his clients. Jay obtained his Law degree from Barry University Law School. Jay is a active member of the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, the Federalist Society, Florida Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Rate this Post
Loading...