My older sister, who is 60 years old was caught shoplifting at Sears in California. She was in the store and was rushed to leave the store by her son. She had forgotten that she had taken a piece of jewelry. As soon as they were outside the store security stopped them. and that is when she realized that she had the jewelry in her hand. She is Chinese and can not speak English. Security was very rude to her and her son. They brought her to the back of the store and asked her if she took the jewelry. She said yes and they told her if she didn't sign the document admitting guilt they would have to take her to jail. Of course, she didn't want to go to jail and signed the paperwork. Security had her until the cop came to give her a citation. When the cop came, he gave her a citation and asked for her ID. She didn't have any ID and the cop had to handcuff her and take her to the station to take pic and finger prints. The cop was very rough with her for no reason. And she told him that the handcuffs were hurting her. the cop said he didn't care. Now, her arm is all swollen and bruised up. she refusing to got to the hospital since she is embarrassed to tell anyone the situation since this has never happened to her before. I have taken lots of pictures. At the station, I brought her her ID and she was let go with her court date and date to take pictures and finger prints. My sister is also on depression medication. She was on Lorazepam and before she had the jewelry in her hand she meet a friend that gave her bad news regarding a family member. My sister has never comitted a crime before. She says she doesn't know why she didn't pay for the jewelry. It was a mistake. My question is: Will getting her a good attorney make this charge be dismiss? And in two weeks after her court date will she be able to travel to China? Are there anyone who has been got shoplifting for forgetting to pay for something in the store? Advice is greatly appreciated.

