NCJ Number
54968
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
TRACING THE DISPOSITION OF A JUVENILE COURT MATTER, THIS FILM FOR YOUTHFUL AUDIENCES ILLUSTRATES HOW A PERSON WHO AGREES TO JOIN EVEN MARGINALLY IN A CRIMINAL ACT MUST SHARE EQUAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS OUTCOME.
Abstract
IN ORDER TO RAISE MONEY TO PAY FOR HIS MOTORCYCLE, DAVE AGREES WITH HIS FRIEND, JOHNNY, TO TAKE PART IN THE ROBBERY OF A STORE. THEY DECIDE TO 'BORROW' A NEIGHBOR'S PICKUP TRUCK, WHICH DAVE WILL DRIVE DURING THE GETAWAY. ALTHOUGH JOHNNY HAS SECURED A GUN, HE TELLS DAVE HE WILL PROBABLY NOT LOAD IT. THE ROBBERY, HOWEVER, DOES NOT GO AS SMOOTHLY AS JOHNNY HAD ENVISIONED. THE STORE OWNER OFFERS RESISTANCE AND DAVE, WHO IS WAITING IN THE TRUCK, FREEZES WHEN HE HEARS A SHOT. JOHNNY RUNS BACK TO THE TRUCK WITHOUT THE MONEY, AND BEFORE HE CAN COAX DAVE INTO FLEEING, THEY ARE CONFRONTED BY A NIGHT WATCHMAN WHO NOTES THE TRUCK'S LICENSE NUMBER AS THE TWO SPEED AWAY. BOTH BOYS ARE LATER ARRESTED. DAVE IS COMMITTED TO A JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY EVEN THOUGH IT IS ONLY HIS FIRST OFFENSE; HIS POOR CONDUCT AT SCHOOL AND BAD REPORTS FROM FORMER EMPLOYERS AND ACQUAINTANCES SWAY HIS PROBATION OFFICER TO RECOMMEND INCARCERATION. BECAUSE JOHNNY IS OF AGE, UPON BEING FOUND GUILTY IN ADULT COURT, HE IS SENTENCED TO THE STATE PRISON. (KBL)