A Gardena High School student suspected of bringing a gun to campus that discharged and wounded two students in January has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The 17-year-old was arrested about an hour after the incident. The gun was apparently in the boy’s backpack and was inadvertently discharged when he slammed his backpack down on his desk. The two wounded students, both 15, were taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where a girl who had been shot in the head underwent lengthy surgery. She was in critical condition with a skull fracture and brain trauma. A boy who had been shot in the neck was listed as stable; his wound was not life-threatening.

Assault with a deadly weapon is a serious crime in California and carries a maximum sentence of 3 years in state prison. It is also a “strike” offense which means that if convicted and sent to prison on this charge a defendant will serve 85% of their sentence as opposed to those who serve 50% of their sentences for “non-strike” felonies. In addition, if one is convicted of a “strike” offense and they pick up a new felony, the sentence will be doubled if they are sent to prison on the new charge. Here, the student charged in this case is facing two potential strike charges. If convicted of two prior strikes, a third strike carries a sentence of 25 years to life.

The law offices of Wallin & Klarich have been helping those accused of assault crimes for over 30 years. If you or a loved on are being accused of a crime in Southern California then don’t hesitate to contact our offices. We will be there when you call.