Juvenile Misdemeanor Shoplifting Charges

[marjlove13]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida
My 17 year old daughter was arrested for shoplifting at Dillards in Orlando. She took 11 items totaling $225. I am confused because the security guard mentioned she will be charged for each item. Is this true? We have never had any legal problems before and I am lost on what to expect. We are very cash poor. Should we get a lawyer/ public defender? Should she just plead guilty and take what is coming? Please help!

[Mr. Knowitall]

I don't know the full facts of her crime, but I would normally expect a single shoplifting incident at a single store to result in a single charge, even if multiple items were being taken.

She can inquire with the court about a court-appointed lawyer. If in fact this is juvenile court, you may have to assist her with that process and prove your lack of means to the court.

Read some of the hundreds of threads on this subject - the answer to "should I just plead guilty" is always the same, and is always "no".

[PandorasBox]

I would bet that the 11 items are wrapped into a single charge, mentioning all 11 items she stole.

Mom....11 items....$225.....this is not your daughters first time shoplifting...it is her first time being CAUGHT shoplifting.

I don't know every state law....so I can't tell you if she will be charged as a minor or an adult. If charged as a minor....the parents are responsible for paying the civil demand, court costs, fines, etc. That alone will run you into the thousands of dollars.

Pay the Civil Demand, or it just gets worse - the amount will double, double again, until it is taken to court, the store will win a judgment, and your credit is screwed.

Court.....not guilty and ask for a Public Defender. Bear in mind - that does come with a small fee....

Again, based in 11 items and $225...your kid has been shoplifting for a while.