Shoplifting By Kentucky Resident In Indiana

My husband and 13 year old daughter went to Indiana to buy paint, we live in Kentucky. The Sears in Kentucky was out of paint so they went to Indiana. Our daughter went to look at clothes while my husband bought paint. As they were walking out a security guard asked her where the shirt was. She had taken a 15-20 dollar shirt. They went to the office the police were called and now we have to go to court. She has never done anything like this before. We are very upset and disappointed by her actions. We can not understand why she did this. We buy her things if she wants them.
What can we expect from this? Our court date has not been set yet. They will mail papers to us. She doesn't even know why she has done this. We took her cell phone, computer away. And she is grounded big time. No friends. Thank you for your help.

:confused:

You need to get her a criminal defense attorney or at least consult one. Do what you can to keep her record clean. Ask if there is a diversion program in your area.
You are also going to have to pay a civil demand, this one is on you as she is a minor.

You can also comb thru the threads...there are lots of them to give you more of an idea of what to expect

As a norm you can expect

. fines less than $500.00 (unrelated to Civil Demand)
. Probation (summary)
. community service

As mentioned you can expect Civil Demand this will comein the form of a letter from a Civil Recovery service or law Firm. Its legal and if you do not pay the fine can triple or more. If still unpaid or paid on time you can be sued in court. They will win. Expect Civil Demand to be around $250.00

there could be other aspect like classes but the above is the norm