Teen Charged as Adult in Madison Brooks Case

• 🚨 A 17-year-old, Desmond Carter, is being tried as an adult for first and third-degree rape in the case of LSU student Madison Brooks.
• ⚠️ Madison Brooks was found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.319, rendering her legally unable to give consent, before she was dropped off and subsequently killed by a car.
• ⚖️ The decision to try a juvenile as an adult is often made for "seven deadly" felonies, including murder, rape, and aggravated assault.

Juvenile vs. Adult Court System

• 🚫 Juvenile court is often perceived as insufficient for severe crimes, with proceedings focused on rehabilitation rather than guilty or not guilty pleas.
• 🔒 Juveniles tried as adults are initially held in youth detention centers until they reach adulthood, at which point they are transferred to adult facilities if convicted.
• 📊 It is uncommon for teen girls to be charged as adults for violent crimes, as such offenses are more typically committed by young men.

Consent and Victim Blaming

• 💡 A person with a BAC of 0.319 is legally deemed incapable of giving consent to a sex act, regardless of their age.
• 🗣️ The defense in sex offense cases frequently employs victim blaming, attempting to discredit the victim based on factors like alcohol consumption.
• ⚖️ Legally, a minor cannot give consent to a sex act, a principle that extends to individuals who are severely intoxicated.

Key Evidence and Legal Strategies

• 📹 Video footage shows Madison Brooks arguing with suspects, slurring her speech, and appearing highly intoxicated, which prosecutors use to demonstrate non-consent.
• 📞 Recorded jail calls are crucial evidence, as suspects often attempt to communicate in code or use other inmates' PINs, which can be interpreted by investigators.
• 🤝 Co-defendants in such cases typically seek separate trials (severance) to avoid being implicated by interlocking statements from other defendants.

Potential Civil Liability

• 💰 The concept of "Dram Shop" liability suggests that bars could be held responsible for injuries resulting from serving excessive alcohol to minors.
• 👨‍⚖️ Madison Brooks' family has retained an attorney, indicating the possibility of a civil lawsuit against potentially liable parties, including the bar.