What would you do.

[DonBattles]

Without getting into any fine detail I had a run in a few months ago with five young men. While I was having words with them one of them hit me from behind and then the other four joined in. It ended up with one of them running away and the other four on the ground with two taking a trip to the ER. The police were called and witnesses interviewed and the five individuals were arrested.
Things have been quiet for a while and on Friday I received a call from the DA asking me if I wanted to press charges. I"m fine and other than a few bruises and busted knuckles I'm fine. My first thought is to leave well enough alone. Other than jail time what might I do to better insure they learn a lesson here. My thought is jail time would only harden them and make them potentially more menacing down the road. Their ages range from 19-25 years of age.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

---- Don, just let it be.

[jdandy]

Don.......Don't fall into worrying about what they may or may not turn into down the road. You don't have a clue. Actions have consequences, and now is as good a time as any for these snot nosed punks to begin understanding that. Press charges, and see this through. They weren't worried when they ganged up on you, and it could have taken a much worse turn for you. Letting these young twerps slide is not the correct course. Your actions now may be saving someone else from a worse fate if these hoodlums walk away from this without punishment. Sock it to them. They earned whatever fate the court decides to punish them with. Don't go soft now.

[AudioNut]

From what you say, it appears that these five guys have already learned a very important life's lesson - Don't mess with DonBattles.

My opinion is that jail time would probably serve no real purpose, while a lengthy sentence of community service or something of that nature might really teach these guys something important.

I would speak with the D.A. and see if he has the latitude, or if he might be inclined to plea bargain something more meaningful than jail time.

You're right, jail would probably make these jerks meaner and meaner.

[jwhite613]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Don.......Don't fall into worrying about what they may or may not turn into down the road. You don't have a clue. Actions have consequences, and now is as good a time as any for these snot nosed punks to begin understanding that. Press charges, and see this through. They weren't worried when they ganged up on you, and it could have taken a much worse turn for you. Letting these young twerps slide is not the correct course of action. Your actions now may be saving someone else from a worse fate if these hoodlums walk away from this without punishment. Sock it to them. They earned whatever fate the court decides to punish them with. Don't go soft now.

+1

Well said, Dan!!!

Don... Glad to hear you are OK.

P.S. You may not be the first victim.

[Freestone]

They may well not receive jail time.
You were fortunate - potential future others might not be.
I think going through a legal process - with the probable plea bargain - might be the better future deterrent.

Ask the DA about their past record and what might likely happen? The DA's advice?

[djwhog]

+ 2 and Don hope you are OK sucks these punks sorry about that!

Take care and I would file charges if it was me..

[Face]

I would say they probably learned their lesson.

If you didn't suffer any injuries, I would leave things well enough alone.

[TommyC]

Glad you're a-OK Don.

[Masterlu]

Me too, glad you are OK Don. Tough call not being in your shoes; I still might press charges.