• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Laurel Brigade Law Group

Laurel Brigade Law Group

703-777-6161

  • About Us
    • Overview
    • Staff
    • In Memory of Joe S. Ritenour
  • Areas of Practice
    • Family Law
      • Overview
      • Divorce and Separation
      • Child Custody, Visitation and Parenting Plans
      • Child and Spousal Support
      • Property Division
      • Protective Orders
      • Adoption
      • Premarital and Prenuptial Agreements
      • Separation Agreements
    • Criminal Defense
      • Overview
      • Felony Charges
      • Misdemeanors
      • Domestic Violence
      • Juvenile Offenses
      • Fraud and Theft
      • Defending Clients Against A Variety Of Theft Crimes
    • Traffic Violations
      • Overview
      • DUI
      • Reckless Driving
    • Personal Injury
      • Overview
      • Motor Vehicle Accident
      • Wrongful Death
    • Wills & Power of Attorney
  • Attorneys
    • Eric J. Demetriades
    • Christine Mougin-Boal
    • Rhonda Wilson Paice
    • Thomas C. Soldan
    • Daniel J. Travostino
    • Sarah Bruns
  • FAQs
  • News
  • Contact

Affluenza as a defense

What happens when a teenager uses the excuse of not knowing any better as a defense to their crimes? While 10 years ago the idea of affluenza may have been unheard of, if not completely laughable, in today’s day and age the defense of affluenza may actually work.

Several years ago a Texas teenager used his affluent upbringing as the reason behind him not knowing the difference between right and wrong. Initially, this defense was seen as the desperate attempt of a wealthy family to defend their son against charges resulting from a drunk driving crash that killed four people. After a lengthy and highly publicized trial, the teenager was given probation in lieu of the jail sentence he could have received.

To many people the idea of affluenza as a defense against crime may be seen as a ridiculous ploy. However, the truth may actually be that the more our youths live in virtual, hands-off and in the personal world, the less likely they may be to understand the consequences behind their actions. Let’s face it, text messaging has replaced face-to-face communication and social media has replaced coping skills.

For many American teens, the line between right and wrong has become somewhat blurred. For children of affluent families, this blurred line may actually be nonexistent. Not only has the new helicopter parenting style taken over, but some children have become so accustomed to having their parents ever present that considering the consequences of their actions while alone is unnecessary.

Even though the notion of affluenza has received serious criticism in the past, enough children are being raised with no understanding of the difference between right and wrong making it an actual problem. For parents coming to the realization that their children may actually have this issue, speaking to an attorney about how to defend against criminal charges may be a good idea.

Footer

703-777-6161

20 West Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Need Guidance?

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call 703-777-6161 or complete our intake form.

Contact us today

Laurel Brigade Law Group BBB Business Review

© Copyright 2022 Laurel Brigade Law Group - All Rights Reserved · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Sitemap
Website Development and Management by MarketSpark · Admin

▲
Contact Sarah Bruns
  • Personal Information

  • Message Details

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Thomas C. Soldan
  • Personal Information

  • Message Details

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Daniel J. Travostino
  • Personal Information

  • Message Details

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Eric J. Demetriades
  • Personal Information

  • Message Details

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Rhonda Wilson Paice
  • Personal Information

  • Message Details

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Christine Mougin-Boal
  • Personal Information

  • Message Details

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Thomas C. Soldan
  • Personal Information

  • Message Details

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact The Laurel Brigade Law Group
  • Personal Information

  • Contact Preferences

    How would you like to be contacted? Check all that apply.
  • How Can We Help You?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.