If there is anything that gets the public more worked up, it is guns in schools. When a person is caught bringing a gun into school they are immediately believed to be guilty, regardless of whatever reason they have for carrying it. The Memphis public has zero tolerance with violence against kids in school, and a person who has been accused of a school gun crime has an uphill legal battle in their criminal defense.
Two Memphis residents were recently indicted on two charges of reckless endangerment. In August one of the defendants allegedly brought a loaded gun into the other defendant’s home. The other defendant’s 8-year-old daughter found the gun, but it was taken away. When it was taken away, it was placed in a spot where the defendant’s 5-year-old boy found it. The 5-year-old put the loaded gun in his backpack and brought it to school. While the boy was eating breakfast at school, the gun discharged. His backpack was immediately confiscated by school officials. The two defendants face up to six years in prison, if convicted.
When a person is facing serious allegations and criminal charges, it is important for them to be able to tell their side of the story. Because the public’s tolerance for weapons in school is quite low, the long-term consequences for similar charges are stiff. Penalties including fines and long jail-terms can result, if a defendant is convicted. If a person is accused of a serious crime, it may be a good idea to seek out a legal professional skilled in criminal law. There is only one chance to tell the other side of the story so having a good defense is critical.
Source: WMCTV, “Two indicted in connection to gun that fired in elementary school,” Sept. 9, 2013.