Daughter caught shoplifting

[upsetmom]

I am VERY upset over this and frankly worried to death. My daughter who just turned 16 was caught shoplifting in Walmart. What is sad is that she had plenty of money on her and what she took was minimal. She received a citation and will have to appear in court next month. What I would like to know is what could possible happen to her?? We have an appt with a lawyer but would still like to know what to expect. Thank you.

[aaron]

This is in juvenile court?

[upsetmom]

No, because she is 16 she will go to adult court, and she had only been 16 to 2 DAYS!!!!

[upsetmom]

My biggest concern here is that she will go to jail! Do you think that is possible when it was her first offense and it was only $34. I do want her to have a punishment, one that she will remember and never even think of doing such a thing again, but not JAIL.

[legaleagle]

I doubt that she will go to jail. Unless the jails are significantly less crowded than the jails in my jurisdiction, there really is not any room for a 16 year old who stole 34 bucks worth of merchandise. Likely a fine and perhaps community service. I would contact a lawyer in your jurisdiction. It might be possible for your daughter to get a deferred sentence if she has never been in trouble with the law before.