Minor Son Caught Shoplifting Alcohol in California

Hi from California, interesting forum!

My son (16) was apprehended by a SaveMart store manager for pocketing a pint of vodka. He decided not to file charges as my kid was very apologetic and promised it was his first time and he would never do it again, yada, yada... Being a terrific snoop I looked around his bedroom after I got the phone call and found about 8 large bottles of various types of booze. Confronted the son, poured out the alcohol, and done the preliminary inefficient parenting things such as grounding, threatening, yelling. My son is already in counseling/therapy, and now they are putting him into a rehab program, even though I think he was reselling the items to friends instead of drinking it himself.

After endless talking about the situation, exploring it, why he did it etc. I find that he has no remorse, only that he got caught, and doesn't currently think that it was a big deal. I am getting more furious with him, and thinking of calling the store manager to see if he will file charges. I know it will cost me, but I can't stand to see the smirk on my kid's face when he says it was kinda fun. He was scared initially when caught, but it is wearing off and I don't know if this has been scared enough to fully emphasize the consequences of breaking laws.

Should I get him busted? Cast your votes! Thanks >Katmom<

I am all for punishment through prosecution, if there is actual punishment. The problem you face is that the consequences will be so minimal that he might feel even more vindicated, and it just punishes you.

Where is your son's father to kick his ass a bit and straighten him out? Don't just rely on the courts to do the work you (and his father) need to do.

This is a site for legal answers. It seems you have taken this serious and are doing what you can and I appluad you for that. Ace is correct the Civil Demand will fall on you but thats not to say you cannot see to it he pays you back. Best of luck to you

Thanks for your replies. I have a lot to think about, and we start family meetings for the chem dependency. I don't know if I will play this card, but having it in the deck helps.

To admin and posters: very cool and helpful forum, keep up with it, and I hope I don't need to come here for more specific legal advice. Thanks >Katmom<