My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
My 18 yr old son was arrested yesterday for retail theft. He was with two friends, and one friend who is 16 was putting merchandise in his pockets. They were caught and my son, though did not have any merchandise on him and unaware his friend was stealing was arrested and charged because he was with the "stealer". He was bonded out with a very small amount last night, but has to appear later this month. This is the first time he has been in any trouble other than skipping school. What might he be looking at for punishment? Should we hire an atty? Should he plead guilty because he was there, or not guilty because he didn't steal anything and didn't know his friend was stealing?

