Sam was a teenager that, when alone, stayed out of trouble. He didn't jump people, he didn't do drugs, and he didn't steal. He got good grades and attended school. He was an experienced reader to make up for his mother's inability to read. However, things were different when Sam was surrounded by his friends.
Sam hung out with kids his age, and older. They all drank and hung out late at night, and for a while, Sam took after them. He did everything the gang did, not because he felt pressured or scared, but because he enjoyed it. This includes when the older boys had an idea that would make them money.
Sam worked arduously at McDonalds. However, he just wasn't getting an adequate amount of money. Therefore, when his friends planted the idea of robbing dealers in his head, he was all in. The group justified their scheme as helping the community—they would steal from young, inexperienced drug dealers who would otherwise deal to kids.
Initially, Sam's role in the operation was the driver. They'd all dress in black, ride around Newark, and scope for corners with suspicious characters. Sam would safely observe from behind the driver's seat as his three friends, while brandishing a gun, would jump someone and take their possessions. The money was copious; they happily split it between the four of them.
One night, the group spotted …show more content…
Sam witnessed, behind the bars of his cell, fights between other inmates. He was ashamed that he was in there, and Sam's principle thought was, "How could I disappoint moms like this?" (95). Outside the jail, prosecutors were trying him as an adult, which could have led to Sam staying in jail for a much longer duration. When called to court, he was very much relieved to discover his punishment was only two years of a suspended sentence and probation. Sam wouldn't have to serve it, provided he veered far from trouble. In addition, him being a minor meant that the transgression would be omitted on his permanent
Sam hung out with kids his age, and older. They all drank and hung out late at night, and for a while, Sam took after them. He did everything the gang did, not because he felt pressured or scared, but because he enjoyed it. This includes when the older boys had an idea that would make them money.
Sam worked arduously at McDonalds. However, he just wasn't getting an adequate amount of money. Therefore, when his friends planted the idea of robbing dealers in his head, he was all in. The group justified their scheme as helping the community—they would steal from young, inexperienced drug dealers who would otherwise deal to kids.
Initially, Sam's role in the operation was the driver. They'd all dress in black, ride around Newark, and scope for corners with suspicious characters. Sam would safely observe from behind the driver's seat as his three friends, while brandishing a gun, would jump someone and take their possessions. The money was copious; they happily split it between the four of them.
One night, the group spotted …show more content…
Sam witnessed, behind the bars of his cell, fights between other inmates. He was ashamed that he was in there, and Sam's principle thought was, "How could I disappoint moms like this?" (95). Outside the jail, prosecutors were trying him as an adult, which could have led to Sam staying in jail for a much longer duration. When called to court, he was very much relieved to discover his punishment was only two years of a suspended sentence and probation. Sam wouldn't have to serve it, provided he veered far from trouble. In addition, him being a minor meant that the transgression would be omitted on his permanent