Juvenile Shoplifting Charge New Jersey

[cobcol]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ

My 16 year old son was arrested for shoplifting a $50 item in a NJ department store with a friend. Both were released and we were told we would get paperwork about court in about 3 weeks.

Although this is his first (and hopefully last) shoplifting offense, he has gotten in trouble in the last several months for spray painting a fence with some friends (needs some new friends, I guess) and entering an abandoned, bank owned home (trespassing). Since they were his first offenses, they were referred to a volunteer board in the Township instead of juvenile court.

Given his past offenses, he is now scared to death that he will go to "juvy" for this shoplifting charge. While I'm inclined to let him be scared for a bit so hopefully his stupidity sinks in, for my own sanity, I am wondering if that is a possible punishment for this shoplifting offense. I am sure we will get to pay some fines, but my son is a solid student who is active in school sports, but has just made some stupid choices lately. I wouldn't want those choices to ruin his life.

What can I expect his punishment to be for this offense. Forgot to mention, he paid his share of the fence repair in the previous offense, and had to do 12 hours community service for both offenses combines. He also had to write an essay on making choices, which was actually a very good essay, but apparently, he didn't take his own advice.

Please help. Do I need to get an attorney for this?

[Security Consultant]

In New Jersey a theft of this amount is considered a disorderly persons offense. I would hire an attorney due to his previous activity. As to the fine, it is up to the Juvenile Court Judge. You should expect a Civil Demand from the retailer for about $150. This is aside from the criminal charge. The letter you will receive from the retailer or their representative, in your name, will explain the particulars.

[cobcol]

My question is whether there would be any possibility of him being sent to a juvenile detention center for something like this. I know I have to get an attorney, which I can't do until I get the paperwork from the police department.

[PandorasBox]

Don't know about Juvy....so I can't say it is possible or not.

Since it's his third offense, I would get him a lawyer. Call around - many offer free initial consultations.

- Civil Demand....$150+
- Add in court costs/fines
- Lawyer or Public Defender (in many cases, even a P.D. is not free)
- He may be given Community Service, and/or anti-shoplifting classes (classes are not free).

Personally: I would see about Junior finding a job to pay for his crimes. Even if it means giving up sports. When he sees what he has to give up, both financially and for fun, it may be the kick in the pants he needs.

[cobcol]

Junior does have a job and has paid his fines in the past. I didn't say he was a deadbeat, but rather a good kid making some bad choices. While I appreciate your opinion on having him give up sports, I will not do that as too much idle time leads to more trouble. Thank you for your advice.

[PandorasBox]

I'm just hoping that your kid is realizing how bad the mistakes he is making are, how they can affect his future.

Good luck to you and him.