Teen Charged with Aggravated Arson in Schaumburg High School Fire

 Posted on May 27, 2012 in Juvenile Crimes

The Chicago Tribune reported that on May 11, 2012, Schaumburg High School was evacuated after a fire began in a storage area of the school’s woodshop. A school custodian was able to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher before fire crews arrived on the scene. There were no injuries, and students returned to classes after about 30 minutes.

Fire officials estimate the damage to be less than $2,000. Officials also confirmed that the fire was intentionally set, and at the time of the article, were continuing to investigate the matter. All repairs were finished in time for students to return to class the following Monday morning.

According to the Tribune in a related story three days later, a 15-year-old Hanover Park boy was charged with aggravated arson in a Cook County juvenile court. Authorities have released no motive for the boy setting the fire, or details about how it might have been started.

Even juvenile criminal charges can be serious, especially when an aggravated crime such as arson has occurred, which had the potential to harm many other people, as well as cause significant property damage. The juvenile court system works differently than the regular court system, and the penalties may be quite different. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can help you understand this and provide legal advice on how to avoid a conviction and the negative consequences that come with it.

As an accused juvenile or the parent or guardian of an accused juvenile in the Chicago area, you need the assistance of an experienced Rolling Meadows, Illinois criminal defense attorney who is accustomed to handling cases in juvenile court. These cases require a unique knowledge of criminal law in the context of the juvenile court system, as well as an understanding of how the court process operates in those courts.