The problem with the way the court case unfolded is that the defense took the attitude that there wasn't any sort of crime, a "youth defense" where a kid acted dumbly. Maybe more accurate is that there was a crime with unintended consequences. Still, the prosecution offered a plea bargain, by which the defendant would have received no (or very little) prison time, and no threat of deportation. It's up to the sentencing judge now to find the appropriate measure.