Children’s Court – Ropes Program
Charges
Criminal Damage, Burglary, Theft
Facts
The client was 15 years of age and had been charged with Burglary and Criminal Damage at a holiday house. The case was not strong with regard to the burglary, but the Criminal Damage charge had merit.
Results
After discussing the matter with the client and his mother, the best outcome was obviously one that involved no criminal record. It was likely the client could beat the burglary charge but not the criminal damage charge.
We discussed with the informant (the investigating police officer) the possibility of the client being recommended for the Ropes program. This involves a low and high ropes activity course, along with a discussion session. The participant is teamed with a police member – usually the same officer who initially charged the young offender – and they are required to work together to complete the program. Once the program is successfully completed, the criminal record for the offence is removed.
The informant was supportive of the idea.
After attending Court and being granted Ropes, two other briefs, involving multiple charges, were listed at the Court. We brought all matters before the same Magistrate prior to the client completing the Ropes program. We asked that the Magistrate consider granting Ropes for all three matters.
The application was successful and the client protected his record. The client can now say with confidence that he has no criminal history when travelling overseas or going for a job interview. This has been an amazing result for the client.
