My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey
My 15 year old son was caught shoplifting yesterday. Unfortunately it involves more than one store and was with 2 other boys doing same. My son admitted to it being "his idea". The other 2 boys were sentenced to writing a 5 page essay, but my son is being charged since it was his idea. I am devastated, embarrassed and beside myself as to what may happen. My husband & I have been unemployed for 18 months ( which I feel led to the shoplifting since we are on a strict budget ) and we can not afford a lawyer. He has not yet recevied his court date since it just happened yesterday. I do not know where to go from here! I am in disbelief that he has done this to our family especially now that we are out of work! What do I do??