Reference no: EM133209755

Question - Kyle is a recent high school graduate living in a high-crime neighborhood. Although he has been looking hard for work, right now he only has a part-time job in a fast food restaurant. Last night, while biking home from work, Kyle noticed that the people living in an especially nice house have been out of town. Lights have been off at night and newspapers have piled up in the driveway.

Today, after getting the bad news that his hours will be cut at work for the next few weeks, Kyle realized that he's not going to be able to make rent. On the way home, he makes the impulsive decision to break into the house to look for something valuable to sell online.

Unfortunately, he broke in just after the pet sitter arrived to feed the cats. The panicked pet sitter hit Kyle with a frying pan and attempted to flee the house. Kyle shoved her down and wrenched the pan from her hands. Then he pulled a knife from his waistband, which he always carries for personal protection. Kyle waived the knife at the pet sitter and told her to sit in a chair. Then he demanded she hand over her wallet and cell phone. The pet sitter gave Kyle the items and begged him to let her go. Kyle promised not to hurt her, but said he could not let her go yet and duct taped her to the chair.

While she was restrained, Kyle rummaged through the house, stuffing jewelry and electronics into his backpack. He also took the cash from the pet sitter's wallet, but left her wallet and phone on the counter out of her reach. Before he left, he apologized for frightening her, cut one of her hands free, and left her with a pair of scissors so she could finish freeing herself. Kyle was headed out the door when police arrived, responding to a silent alarm he'd tripped during the break in.

If you were the prosecutor in Kyle's case, what charges would you choose to file against Kyle? Explain why you would choose misdemeanor or felony-level crimes.