CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S DEFENSE
Ashton was charged with armed robbery and felony breaking and entering.
After the court conducted a transfer hearing which would have allowed
Ashton to be tried in adult court, an expert psychologist testified
that Ashton had mental health issues that had never been treated.
As a result of this testimony and other evidence presented, the judge
presiding over the case concluded that Ashton should not be tried
in adult court. Ashton pled guilty to his charges, was placed on probation,
and began receiving mental health treatment.
In the interim, Ashton was accused of crimes that
he did not commit. Again, the State wanted to try Ashton
in adult court. The presiding judge once again sided
with Ashton due to a lack of evidence linking Ashton
to the crimes that he was accused of commiting. As
his charges were dismissed, Ashton was receiving treatment
in a residential facility and taking medication to
address his mental health needs. He is currently back
in school and working a part-time job. |
