MCDONALD’S ASSAULT LEADS TO CHARGES AGAINST 5 TEENS

According to law enforcement authorities in New York, five teenage girls are facing charges for an assault on another girl inside of a McDonald’s restaurant in Brooklyn. The incident occurred on March 9 in the Flatbush area.

The assault was recorded on a cellphone, and the footage reportedly showed a group of teenagers kicking and punching a 15-year-old girl inside of the restaurant. One of the five allegedly stole the victim’s purse, makeup and cellphone during the attack. Police allege that the ringleader of the group was a 16-year-old girl. Several of the teenagers have been charged as adults.

In addition to the five, police stated they are searching for a sixth girl they believe was also involved. The girls are facing charges of second-degree felony gang assault, and at least two are also facing robbery charges. Those who have been charged include a 15-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl and three 16-year-old girls. Three of those charged appeared in court on March 14. Police have not indicated what they believe precipitated the assault. The attorney for the 15-year-old stated that his client was not involved in the attack and is not on the video footage.

People who are charged with violent crimes may face potentially severe consequences if they are convicted. Juveniles who are under the age of 18 may still be charged as adults in serious cases, leaving them open to prison sentences. Those who have been charged may want to obtain the representation of a criminal defense attorney. An attorney can attempt to identify the available defenses and then decide whether to provide mitigating information to the prosecutor in order to secure a favorable arrangement that avoids prison time.

Source: The Huffington Post, “5 teens charged in attack on girl at Brooklyn McDonald’s,” Andres Jauregui, March 15, 2015.