When police in Michigan noticed an erratic driver in Detroit on a recent evening, they pulled the driver off the road. Drunk driving was suspected, but the outcome of the traffic stop surprised them all. It was reported that the driver stopped, but raced away before the officer could even exit his vehicle. A chase ensued while the fleeing driver traveled at a high rate of speed, passing other cars on the roadway's shoulder.
When the pursuit ultimately came to an end, the deputy was shocked to see two children jumping from the car and running away. The driver, a 13-year-old boy, was quickly apprehended, and his 8-year-old sister was later left in the custody of her mother. It was later determined that the car belonged to the girlfriend of the children's father.
The boy reportedly decided to take his younger sister for a joyride while the two adults were asleep. Subsequently, the boy had apparently appeared in juvenile court. The details of that appearance are unknown. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were caused to anybody. It is not clear whether the boy's erratic driving was due to inexperience or intoxication.
If a minor child is charged with a crime, such as drunk driving in Michigan, the most appropriate step for the parents to take is to consult with a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in protecting the rights of juveniles. A lawyer can assess the situation and represent the child in court. A juvenile court judge has a wider range of options for disposition than are available in adult court, though detention in a juvenile facility is one of them. Accordingly, it is imperative that the rights to the accused be upheld at every stage of the proceedings.
Source: cbs12.com, "Boy accused of leading police on wild car chase in Michigan", Dave Lewallen, Dec. 22, 2015