Florida Criminal Lawyer Blog

Last month, Broward County criminal lawyer, William Moore, was contacted by a concerned mother, whose 7 year old son was accused of “robbing a 6 year old at knife-point for one dollar at Pines Elementary”. News articles across the country reported that the child had actually formed the intent to carry out a premeditated, violent robbery. In actuality, the “assailant,” who had only turned 7 a few days before, was simply playing.

Upon meeting with the mother and her son and hearing their account, it quickly became apparent that the media’s initial perspective was laden with untruths and explosive exaggerations. Throughout that first meeting, all were amazed at how well-behaved the child was. “Clearly there has been some distortion of the facts here. This child has been raised by good parents. He is the most obedient and polite child that I have ever met”, stated Moore.

The incident in question happened in the elementary school bathroom the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday and was reported by the “victim’s” mother the following Monday. No mention of this “robbery” was ever made by any of the children present, and not one faculty member observed anything out of the ordinary on the day of the alleged crime.

Nonetheless, in accordance with school policy, the Accused was suspended for ten days. “The actions of the Broward County School Board were absolutely appropriate at that point”, stated Moore. “The faculty had very little information at that juncture, Broward policy is very clear in this regard”.

A suspension while facts are being investigated is one thing. Expulsion and criminal prosecution is quite yet another. Following the event, it was widely reported that the child faced imminent expulsion from the Pembroke Pines School Board. One report emphasized that the boy would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, despite the fact that statements by all of the eye-witnesses were inconsistent.

“Ultimately, the school found that expulsion was not warranted and I commend all of the Board members involved. They did not allow the media to affect their judgment in the least. Assistant Director Pamela A. Brown has shown exemplary leadership in protecting not only her students, but also my client, while she sorted this mess out”, stated Moore. “She was not influenced by an overblown media.”

All reports have since been turned over to the State’s Attorney. The State Attorney’s office was quoted as saying that it was highly unlikely for the Accused to be charged in the case, due to both the child’s age and the inconsistencies in the reports from the three parties involved. A child that has just turned seven years old simply doesn’t have the ability to possess this type of culpable mind, claimed a chief prosecutor.

On Monday, December 15th, William Moore, the Accused and his mother went before the Pembroke Pines School Board to plea the case against expulsion. In less than one hour, all parties agreed that such a sanction was to be denied, as reported by the Sun Sentinel. “This thing was blown so out of proportion. It’s refreshing to see the Sun Sentinel put an end to all of the negative publicity in their latest article,.”

Article contributed by Anne-Marie Kopek.

Anne-Marie has worked as an Account Representative for FOX Sports Net and Conde Nast in addition to being a copywriter for both the private and public sector. In her free time, she is an active children's rights advocate and LGBT activist.