The Umansky Law Firm

On a list of things to never do, getting drunk and stealing a police cruiser has to be near the top of the list. Yet, this is exactly what an 18-year-old Oregon teenager is accused of doing. He allegedly stole the Ford Mustang from an off-duty law enforcement officer's house over the weekend and took it for a joyride while under the influence.

Oregon State Police arrested the teen Saturday night after a trooper spotted the obviously marked cruiser parked near a road. When the trooper approached the cruiser, believing he was going to find a deputy inside the vehicle, he found the teen sleeping in the driver's seat. According to police, they had a report about 20 minutes earlier about a white Mustang driving recklessly on Highway 214.

The teen was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person. If he is convicted on these charges, the teen will face monster fines and maybe even jail time.

It is never easy seeing young people get into trouble like this, especially for parents. However, we are a better society if we can rehabilitate teens. Rather than throw them in jail and give them a mark that will make future employment and scholarships difficult, we can use counseling and community service. Sealing and expunging criminal records in some cases is also in our best interest. With an experienced criminal defense attorney, there is a greater likelihood this can occur.

If your teen has been charged with criminal violations in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Umanksy Law Firm. We offer an initial confidential and free consultation.