Fourteen-year-old Jonnevin B. was arrested for carrying a toy gun, and after the Bronx County Family Court found the kid guilty of criminal possession of an imitation firearm, the court imposed a year's probation.
Because the youngster was living in a "stable" foster home (where there had been no incidents), and he was attending (and behaving in) school, the Appellate Division, First Department, thought the Family Court's determination was a bit harsh and that a "supervised adjournment in contemplation of dismissal" was a more appropriate penalty--particularly since this was an instance of mere "possession," and no unlawful or threatened use had been alleged.
Was that what Jonnevin was shooting for?
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Matter of Jonnevin B.