My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York.
Last night during a shopping trip my 55 year old mother walked out of a deli with about 13 dollars worth of items without paying. This is a store she has shopped in every week for the past few months and many of the people working there know her. She was chatting with the sales lady and it simply slipped her mind, as the sales lady attested to herself which unfortunately means little in the eyes of the law.
Well to keep it short she was called back into the store which she came back into, and a huge scene took place with the owner forcefully and with visible marks on her hands ripped the bag from her and called the police. A report wa filled out in the nearby precinct, after almost 5 hours of waiting because the owner needed a translator as he didn't speak any English.
Sorry for the long explanation but my question is as follows since my mother is loosing sleep over this and is rather worried. What are the legal ramifications of what has transpired? Can she expect to be charged with a crime some time in the near future and what the magnitude of them might be for an elderly woman with no prior criminal record. Also while I'm a legal citizen my mother is not, will that have any factor on her possible case.
Thank you kindly for your time and advice.