Shoplifting Charge in Missouri

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri. My daughter was 17 when she as caught shoplifting an item from Spencer Gifts. The civil notice came and she paid it. The notice of a court date has arrived and she is charged with a misdemenor since it was her first offense and the amount was less than $50. My question is should she throw herself on the mercy of the court as it is her first offense? Should she get a lawyer? If she does not get a lawyer should she still request something specific so that her record is expunged if she has no related incidents in a specific period. Finally, she has turned 18 and is not interested in me going with her is that a good idea?

Read the stickied threads. She should consult a local lawyer about her eligibility for a deferral or diversion program that would allow her to avoid a conviction.

Also, since she is 18...she is an adult and should to to court appearances alone, with the exception of her lawyer.

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Quoting PandorasBox

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Also, since she is 18...she is an adult and should to to court appearances alone, with the exception of her lawyer.

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Just a minor correction Pandy; once you hit your 17th in Missouri, you are an adult!