In re K.C. CA4/3

INTRODUCTION

The juvenile court found true allegations that K.C., then 16 years old (the minor), committed two counts of attempted robbery. We reject each of the minor‟s claims of error, and affirm the court‟s orders. First, the minor argues there was insufficient evidence to support the juvenile court‟s true findings. We conclude, however, that there was substantial evidence of the minor‟s specific intent to rob the two victims, and of overt acts in furtherance of that intent. Second, we find no error in the juvenile court‟s admission of evidence that a BB pistol was found in the minor‟s waistband when he was stopped by the police shortly after the attempted robberies. The minor‟s possession of a BB pistol was relevant to the issue of his intent. Finally, the juvenile court‟s reference to an inference of innocence does not show the court violated the minor‟s constitutional rights by ignoring the presumption of innocence or shifting the burden of proof to the minor.

STATEMENT OF FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

About 1:00 a.m. on July 31, 2012, Maria C. was walking home from work; her son, Luis C., was walking his bicycle beside her. Two young men approached Maria and Luis. One of…