School shootings can be tragic, and they also often lead to serious criminal charges. These could include assault or homicide charges, depending on whether there were injuries or fatalities. If you or anyone you love faces charges of a violent crime or firearm offenses in California, you want an aggressive criminal defense lawyer handling your case immediately.
There was a time when shootings at schools were unimaginable – but not anymore. School shootings (which are often mass shootings with numerous injuries or deaths) have become devastatingly commonplace in the United States today.
Recent School Shooting Reported
The most recent reported incident occurred in Texas, where an 18-year-old student allegedly opened fire during a fight at his high school. The shooting injured four people and the student fled in a vehicle before being apprehended and taken into custody hours later. According to the Arlington Police Department, he was booked in the Arlington jail on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was released after posting bond in his case, which was set at $75,000.
One person remains in critical condition, another was in good condition, and a third person was treated for minor injuries and was scheduled to be released from the hospital later Wednesday, according to police. A fourth person was also injured during the shooting but did not require treatment at a hospital. Three of the four victims were all students.
The shooting at Timberview High School in Arlington stemmed from a fight that broke out in a classroom, according to Arlington police.
“This is not a random act of violence,” the police chief said. “This is not somebody attacking our school.”
For their part, a spokeswoman for the defendant’s family said he had been bullied and robbed twice at school and was trying to protect himself. This type of situation differs from those in which someone opens fire without any circumstances or threats leading to the incident, though the alleged shooter can still face harsh penalties.
Possible Charges in California
We hope that school shootings do not happen in the Riverside, California, area, but if they do, there is a chance that someone will face serious criminal allegations. First, even bringing a firearm onto school grounds is enough for serious weapons charges. A conviction for a weapons offense alone might result in fines and jail time.
If someone suffered injuries in a school shooting, additional charges will depend on the extent of those injuries. These might include:
- Aggravated assault
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Manslaughter
- Murder
Anyone facing charges resulting from a school shooting should have the strongest possible defense from the very start of their cases.
Discuss Your Situation with a Riverside, CA Weapons Offenses Attorney
Accusations of shooting at a school are a highly serious matter, and prosecutors often seek the maximum charges and penalties possible in such cases. If you have been arrested and face any type of criminal charges, including firearm offenses, contact the criminal defense team at DeLimon Law today for a consultation.