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A physical altercation may leave your teen facing assault charges

On Behalf of | May 10, 2024 | Criminal Law

It might be common for teenagers to get into verbal disagreements at times, and these heated spats don’t always escalate much further. However, should your teen get into a physical altercation with another person, you might not know how to handle the fallout of the situation or understand the possible ramifications involved. 

There may be some instances in which even a single physical altercation could leave a teenager accused of assault, and similar offenses can carry serious consequences. Knowing some of the reasons teens may fight could help place you in a position to help your child find ways to avoid engaging in such activity, but are things always so simple? 

Why teens fight 

Most teens in Oklahoma might not fully grasp how the outcome of a physical altercation could impact their lives. Studies indicate that there are a variety of reasons why teenagers might get into fights, some of which include: 

  • Peer pressure: Peer pressure can make teens do things that might otherwise seem unthinkable. Studies suggest that similar issues continue to be a common motivator for teenage fighting. 
  • Anger issues: Teens who struggle with anger issues may also be at greater risk of engaging in physical altercations. Finding ways to address underlying issues could be vital to staving off such concerns. 
  • Self-defense: Teens may also become involved in fights if they are trying to defend themselves from an attack or if they are trying to stand up for someone close to them who is facing some type of physical threat. 
  • Respect or attention: In some cases, teens might feel that fighting others could be a way to gain the respect of their peers or fit in with a tough crowd. Teens may also engage in such activity as a cry for attention. 

Bullying also remains a common concern in many school environments, and teens who are subjected to constant bullying may also be more likely to become involved in a physical altercation. 

Juvenile assault charges 

Regardless of when it happens, if a physical altercation leaves your teen facing juvenile assault charges, you might not know what you can do to protect his or her future. With so much on the line, you could consider consulting with someone with experience in such matters for much-needed guidance on your legal rights and options. This could help you prepare to make informed choices about the situation and help you create a strategy with which to seek an outcome that best meets the needs and interests of your child. 

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