How TikTok Might Get Your Teen Arrested in Wyoming
TikTok is the fastest growing social media app. This short-form, video-sharing app allows users to create 15-second videos on any topic and share them. TikTok uses celebrity partnerships to generate viral content. For example, celebrity Jimmy Fallon helped drive the popularity of the app and started a challenges section on his show, using TikTok as the platform for challenges. Recently, TikTok challenges have been on police radar.
How Can TikTok Challenges Lead to Criminal Charges?
“Slap your teacher” is the latest TikTok challenge that has some students facing charges, as stated on USA Today. School districts across the country started cracking down after that challenge began to trend and multiple students assaulted teachers. In Rock Springs, Wyoming, police are warning that a series of upcoming challenges on TikTok are crimes, as reported on KGAB. The police department is stating that people who commit vandalism or crimes incited by these challenges will be prosecuted. Recent vandalism in a Sweetwater County school district has caused thousands of dollars in damage to buildings and disrupted the learning environment.
What Acts of Vandalism Have Been Incited by TikTok Challenges?
Acts of vandalism incited by TikTok challenges have erupted in high schools and middle schools nationwide. Schools are blaming social media challenges for this rash of juvenile vandalism, as reported on CBS News. One particular challenge on TikTok, entitled “devious licks,” has incited kids to destroy or steal school property and post these acts of vandalism or theft online. This type of criminal offense is currently on police radar. Examples of vandalism and theft prompted by the “devious licks” challenge include:
- Broken toilets
- Damaged sinks
- Flooded hallways
- Stolen soap dispensers
- Toilets ripped out of bathroom stalls
- Electric hand dryers torn from walls
- Stolen cafeteria spoons
- COVID-19 test dispensers emptied
- Soap and toilet paper destroyed
- Hygiene product dispensers destroyed
- Red dye and soap smeared on walls, toilets, and floors
What Are the Implications of Being Arrested for a Juvenile Crime?
Most crimes committed by persons under the age of 19 are considered juvenile crimes and tried in juvenile court. If convicted of a juvenile crime, a child may face serious penalties in the short term. He or she may face detention, probation, incarceration, and fines. There is also the possibility of removal from the home and placement in foster care or a treatment facility.
In addition, there are long-term consequences for a juvenile conviction. The criminal record is not automatically sealed in Wyoming when a child turns 18. Conviction of a juvenile crime can mean a permanent criminal record that will impact the remainder of a child’s life.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Juvenile Crimes?
If your child has been arrested, it is important to speak with an experienced Wyoming criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect your child’s future. Minors arrested and charged with crimes have the right to an attorney. Judges in Wyoming have discretion to try a minor as an adult, and the prosecution can file a motion with the court, requesting that a minor be tried as an adult. This is more likely to occur when the child is over the age of 17 or when a child aged 14 or older is accused of a violent crime. It is crucial to have skilled legal defense from a team of Gillette juvenile criminal attorneys.
Call Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. at (307) 257-7800 today. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin investigating the charges and build a defense. Time is of the essence when your child’s future is at stake.
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