The old days in Cook County, Judge Saul Eption would wave jail time if the youth suddenly joined the US Military. Yes the military took these young offenders and made men out of them by turning them into fine soldiers with respect and honor. Amazing how simple things actually worked. The DI's are worth their weight in gold.

Norris should get probation. Mahoney needs to go to prison to teach him a lesson. He's a BAD seed.

Hey Gayle...Joe is struggling because he has no home ramifications. His father, just as bad. When his antics hit you personally, then you will sing a different song.
He should be judged on his actions and his age. Punishment should be to the fullest extent of the law without recognition of "compassion" factor.

They are the Scum of the earth!!!! Lock them both up.

Really? Nice name Thug!

No worries the new gun legislation is on the way. Dangerous thugs who use guns will have to deal with registrations, training of proper care and handling, etc. They will no longer have time to shoot people.

Eagle:
You know nothing. Do you know of the lack of ramifications for dozens of indescretions that preceeded this event? You act like this angel of a kid went out and made a mistake. Interesting that now, when faced with serious trouble there is alleged parenting taking place. I know what every other parent knows...that this kid is trouble and continued coddling will not help. At some point, justice needs to kick in.
Eagle, I do not like your tone, you must be related to the bullying family.

If someone walks into my home with a firearm, and doesn't go to jail- I would be fuggin pissed.

When 18 year-olds commit home invasions, there's something seriously wrong with them. This type of crime is in the big leagues, and whether people want to face it or not, by the time criminals are committing home invasions they probably already have a long list of crimes behind them.

I understand second chances, but we should be wary. It's too bad if they get probation -- it would be a gift -- but if that's the sentence, they should be given the longest possible term with all possible conditions imposed. One slip-up, then it's to the pen.

It pays to re-read that great short story "The Bad Seed." Some people are simply criminals -- they commit crime like dogs bark: it's what they do. That doesn't mean they have to live in our midst. Lock up the bad ones early and you get rid of 80% of crime.

So if these two thugs were of minority decent, would the judge be looking at probation? Is justice being served here? What about the family whose home was invaded by armed thugs? I bet the family has experienced quite a few of sleepless nights since that invasion. Where is their justice?

Certainly if these two were of color from a poorer city where their parents could not afford lawyers that would send them out of state to get "help" and praise their newly found humble beginnings, probation would not be on the table.

I just hope that they have indeed learned something as I would hate to read about these guys again in a few years.

Army sounds like a good choice for these two......prison is a mistake.

With all the talk in our country about doing something about gun violence, giving these guys probation would be a huge mistake. THEY STOLE A GUN AND ROBBED A HOUSE. It doesn't matter if the victim was accused of selling drugs. Another example of not enforcing the laws we have on firearms. These are not sweet little boys. These are criminals and I do not want them in our community. I personally, am not concerned about what is best for the 2 crooks. I am concerned about what is best for Deerfield and Highland Park. Commit the crime, do the time.

What is the best course before these men are released back into society? Prison, with its inherent dangers and isolation, or, probation with a real chance of rehabilitation? Each and every criminal short of those who receive life sentences or the death penalty, return to their homes, neighborhoods, schools and/or communities to interact with just about the same individuals again. Probation would afford these men a chance to start over and also offer the community a chance to watch over them and maybe assist in their rehabilitation. None of us is perfect and I believe the judge, by considering probation, is making the right decision. Yes, the homeowner was scared and if he suffered he could sue in civil court. But, no physical injuries occurred even though they could have. I hope these two understand this compassionate judge's aims and the gift they could receive.

Typical Patch readers totally out of touch with anything real.

Back in the 70's this "crime" happened 3 times a week. All you have to do is say "gun" or "drugs" and all the Patchies get all wadded up.

North Shore white kids smoking weed and running around HP doing stupid stuff as a result is as far from any "big league" as possible.

Look at the picture of these two heinous felons! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Saul Epton would of had the parents donate money to the Boys Clubs of America case closed...

Eagle-sounds like you must be the attorney for one of the defendants. why don't you identify your relationship since you seem to have a lot of knowledge as well as A LOT to say...

Eagle already identified that he knows the family and knows the steps they are taking to assist their son in getting the help he needs to get his life in order. Many of you here seem to be throwing around a lot of accusations without a lot of facts. As Bryce said, not that it excuses what BOTH boys did, but this was not a random home invasion; if it was, it would be a whole different story and I would say throw them in prison. This was TWO high school boys trying to scare their high school drug dealer - with a gun that a friend said they could take from his house, not one that they stole. Was this an incredibly stupid action by two high school boys? Without a doubt. Should they go to prison and, as tedsmithdds so compassionately stated, endure "forced anal in a prison shower" and come out of prison years from now completely screwed up? I think not... and fortunately the judge seems to agree.

Hey Moe, have another drink bro. Your flare for drama is duly noted. Say hi to Bobby for me.

This drug dealer had to be a buddy of theirs that they smoked weed with in the past. Such hyperbole.

Benny, thanks boo boo. How come You don't come and say hi to Bobby yourself? He's there every morning. What should I say, Benny G says hi. He'll say "who"? I'll say "Benny G".he'll say "who the f#@* is that? I'll say "I don't know, he's your buddy". He'll say" Benny G,Benny G, wait a minute, that's the f&?#&#+ C%*$@%?#?r that owes me money! You know my ol'buddy Bob. Sorry if my comments above weren't too your liking. You want to see drama, come up to Highwood on a Friday night. Tons of drama all over town.

I struck those dramatic comments for you too. Quite frankly, I don't really care what happens to these guys. I'm moving to a happier story, like the bear laying on the rock. See you at the Buck!

Moe Moe lost in the fog. Boiled as an owl.

MoeMoe, the only thing at the Bucky are the cockroaches that scatter everywhere when the lights come on.

Benny G! That's it, no more hot dogs or hamburgers for you. Im just kidding. Your welcome anytime. I'll tell bobby you said hi. If it weren't for the cockroaches of Highwood, our jobs wouldn't be so exciting.

WHITE PRIVILEGE, CLEAR PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Truth speaks the truth...

The Military? The Military doesn't want these criminals. Serving one's country is a privilege not a punishment and what they did was against the law and they should be sent to jail.

regardless of who they were trying to rob, they took a weapon into someone's home to rob them. they are not kids, they are adults and as such should be punished accordingly. they can repent and they can get help as it sounds like they're getting through a program they've been ordered to attend. however, the committed a serious crime and should be punished for that crime. probation hardly seems adequate.