How Serious is a Juvenile Charge for Street Takeover?

 Posted on April 30, 2025 in Juvenile Crimes

A recent street takeover turned violent when the crowd turned on an officer and his vehicle. There were between 50 and 100 people, many of them juveniles, in the street, along with dozens of cars driving erratically. The crowd threw objects, including a traffic cone, at the police officer while he was in his cruiser, breaking the front windshield. When more officers arrived, the crowd began to disperse.

While there were no serious injuries, police are investigating and beginning to make arrests. In prior street takeovers across the state, there were a significant number of juveniles arrested and charged with such offenses as interfering with a police officer, first-degree riot, and unlawful assembly.

Although these are generally misdemeanor charges (unless someone is injured), they can cause serious problems for a juvenile now and in the future. If your child has taken part in a street takeover and is now facing criminal charges, it is extremely important that you speak to an experienced Stamford, CT juvenile crimes lawyer as quickly as possible.  

Changes in Street Takeover Laws Could Increase Penalties and Result in Seizure of Vehicles

A new bill – Senate Bill 1284 – is currently in the works. It would increase fines and penalties for street takeovers and result in the revocation or suspension of a defendant’s driver’s license. It would also allow for the seizure and impoundment of some vehicles used in an illegal street takeover.

Penalty fines would be $1,000 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third violation of the street takeover laws (The current fine is $250). If these fines are not paid, the vehicles of those who failed to pay would be impounded, and upon conviction, the state could revoke or suspend the juvenile’s driver’s license. This could have far-reaching implications since many juveniles drive their parents’ vehicles.  

Even when the fines are properly paid, the new bill would allow for the seizure and impoundment of ATVs, dirt bikes, mini-motorcycles, and snowmobiles used in illegal street takeovers. Although the bill generally has broad support, one specific part of it, which states that "people who gather with the intent to observe and actually observe the street takeover are subject to penalty," has been opposed.

The argument is that anyone who is simply watching the takeover could have his or her driver’s license suspended and be assessed a fine, and some lawmakers believe this is too punitive. One lawmaker noted that the General Assembly has recognized brain development science when addressing lengthy sentences for those under the age of 21 and that the loss of a juvenile’s driver’s license, perhaps permanently, carries severe collateral consequences, which could prevent that person from obtaining employment and education.    

What Happens to a Juvenile Charged with Misdemeanor Offenses?

Cases involving non-violent offenses for those under the age of 16 are disposed of in juvenile court. While a juvenile over the age of 16 can be tried as an adult, this is usually reserved for repeat offenders. If a juvenile is determined to be a juvenile delinquent, he or she could be placed in a state institution for juveniles. The juvenile could also be ordered to make restitution, participate in a treatment program, or even participate in the wilderness school.

Serious juvenile offenders can be committed to the Department of Children and Families for up to four years. A youthful offender’s sentence could range from probation to commitment in a state institution for the maximum term allowed by law (up to 18 months, with extensions of 18 months).

Contact a Fairfield County, CT Juvenile Crimes Attorney

As parents, you realize that the outcome of criminal charges can alter the course of your child’s life. Your first step should be to contact a highly skilled Stamford, CT juvenile crimes lawyer from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner who will advocate zealously for the best possible outcome. To schedule your free consultation, call 203-348-5846.