Shalom Seal Case Study

Shalom Seals is a 17 year old African American male who is currently before the court for disposition. On April 24, 2017, Shalom appeared before the Honorable Judge Earle C. Mobley of the Portsmouth Juvenile Domestic Relations Court charged with assault and battery. Shalom was represented by Deputy Public Defender Bernadine Gerlach and the Commonwealth was represented by Artisha Gregg. After all evidence was fully heard, Shalom was found guilty of assault and battery. A social history was ordered and Shalom was remanded to Chesapeake Juvenile Services. The matter was continued to May 15, 2017, for disposition.

Shalom’s mother, Ms. Latrease Johnson previously reported Shalom first became involved in the justice system at the age 11 in Ohio.
He reported his friends are between 17 and 19. He denied having any friends on supervision or involved with the courts. Shalom denied being in a gang and reported believing that gangs are not good. He acknowledged knowing members of gangs, but not associating with them. He reported losing a friend to gang violence. Shalom self-reported being shot at on two separate occasions and denied knowing who shot at him or why he was being shot
He has tested positive for marijuana while on electronic monitoring and through testing at the court service unit. Shalom denied being under the influence at the time of the offense and reported he uses marijuana to relax. Shalom continues to be opposed to substance abuse treatment and reported feeling as if he does not need treatment.

Shalom and his mother denied any incidents of physical or sexual abuse and reported there has never been any noted or reported impact of any form of abuse. Shalom does not have any past or current mental health diagnoses and is not taking any medication. Most recently his mother has expressed concern about his behavior. She reported he may need a psychological evaluation to explain some of his recent behaviors.

Shalom reported he is not a violent person and only uses violence as a last resort or for self-defense. Shalom's criminal history includes violent crimes and acts of aggression.

Shalom justified his problem behavior and he felt afraid while engaged in it. He is indifferent to the effect on, and obligations toward, the victims of his behavior. He minimized or denied the harm he has caused and is unwilling to make amends. Shalom presented with a nonchalant attitude and acts as if his behavior does not have an impact on him, his family or the