Question

Jenny, age 16, hits, with her car, a 9-year-old girl playing on the street in front of her house. The little girl is seriously injured and may be permanently disabled. When the police arrived, they suspected that Jenny had been drinking. Tests showed that Jenny's blood alcohol level at that time was .13. Jenny did not have a driver's license because she had a previous DWI and the state had suspended her license. Jenny is an above average student in school. She lives with both of her parents. Jenny's mother is an alcoholic and has occasionally beaten her daughter. Jenny likes school but hates her home life. Should Jenny stand trial as an adult for second-degree assault?​

Answer 1

Jenny should stand trial as an adult for second-degree assault due to her actions causing serious injury to a 9-year-old girl while driving under the influence.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, Jenny should stand trial as an adult for second-degree assault. Second-degree assault typically involves intentionally causing serious bodily harm to another person, and in this scenario, Jenny's actions resulted in serious injury to the 9-year-old girl. The fact that Jenny was driving under the influence with a high blood alcohol level further reinforces the seriousness of the offense.

Jenny's age, academic performance, and her difficult home life are important factors to consider, but they do not absolve her of the consequences of her actions. The court should assess the situation and determine Jenny's accountability based on the severity of the offense and applicable laws.