Anonymous wrote:I'm no legal expert, but I think first you get your kid therapy. I assume there is a reason for this or is it from a relationship with someone unstable? regardless of whether your teen is perpetrator or victim i would get help.

Does this go on a criminal record? If so, yes to lawyer.

OP - does your child have a history of bullying other children?

If you don't know the real reason why your child is having problems with others, you need a lawyer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry your kid is a bully. I hope they have learned an important lesson.

NP here
Probably not. The parents will pay for a lawyer and the kid will get off with a slap on the wrist and the cycle will continue for the rest of their lives. There are very few "redemption" stories among criminals.

Wtf a bully isn't a criminal.

Verbal threats are criminal. Op confirmed that what her kid is doing is “along those lines.”

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have a recommendation for a lawyer in Moco who specializes in juvenile issues?

Rene Sandler

This is my rec as well. She's very responsive. She will give you a free consult, and let you know when/if she should be looped in. Plus she has experience dealing with MCPS if the school is involved.

Get a lawyer for your kid, but more importantly, get a therapist for him to unpack why he's a bully in the first place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry your kid is a bully. I hope they have learned an important lesson.

NP here
Probably not. The parents will pay for a lawyer and the kid will get off with a slap on the wrist and the cycle will continue for the rest of their lives. There are very few "redemption" stories among criminals.

Wtf a bully isn't a criminal.

Anonymous wrote:Sorry your kid is a bully. I hope they have learned an important lesson.

NP here
Probably not. The parents will pay for a lawyer and the kid will get off with a slap on the wrist and the cycle will continue for the rest of their lives. There are very few "redemption" stories among criminals.

Anonymous wrote:Judges show so much more favor to those that show up with lawyers, it is ridiculous. Sit in traffic court and you'll see it. Even if you shouldn't need a lawyer (in your case you do) you'll be treated better.

Most matters in court should require an attorney representing the parties so rather than the judges “favoring” those with lawyers, I wonder if it is more a case of the attorneys know how to handle the matters in the best way for their clients.

I appeared in traffic court once to contest a non moving violation ticket (my car was registered but the sticker on my license plate had been removed without my knowledge or noticing). The judge heavily favored the people in the courtroom withOUT lawyers and who seemed least knowledge, least experience, least english skills, etc. I was a beneficiary so I appreciated it.

Sorry your kid is a bully. I hope they have learned an important lesson.

Absolutely find a lawyer immediately.

Anonymous wrote:Judges show so much more favor to those that show up with lawyers, it is ridiculous. Sit in traffic court and you'll see it. Even if you shouldn't need a lawyer (in your case you do) you'll be treated better.

That's because it shows you're taking the charges seriously.

Show up without one, and you're communicating "This isn't a big deal. Boys will be boys."

Not a good look.

Depending on the situation there is chance you might not need one, but why take the chance?

It’s not clear if your child is obtaining an RO or is the defendant - either way, the other party has an attorney most likely and you need one.

If the RO is against your kid, they have consequences - related to owning firearms, where they can physically be present, and other things.

Anonymous wrote:I’m a lawyer and I’d hire a lawyer with relevant experience (which I do not have) in your shoes. I’d especially want to know what if anything should be done to make sure my kid passes background checks in the future.

+1

-- another lawyer

Judges show so much more favor to those that show up with lawyers, it is ridiculous. Sit in traffic court and you'll see it. Even if you shouldn't need a lawyer (in your case you do) you'll be treated better.