In Central NY, my 17yr old daughter got stealing an $18 necklace from JcPenny's, she is a good kid, this is the first time in ANY sort of trouble. Fairly good grades, clean driving record, holds down a job since Sept 07 at the same place.
The called the police, and they took her away in handcuffs, the store employee told me they are just scaring her, but I had to pick her up at the police station and she has to go to criminal court on the 26th.
Are they just scaring her ? or could she be facing probation, fines or jail ?
Cause they scared her, and me ! Is there anything I can do or she can do to help lighten the penalty ? Like I said she has never gotten in any sort of trouble. We just had a horrible death in the family 1/22/08, her grandmother after a short battle with cancer, she has been really upset about this....is this something I should share with the judge ? I am not looking for sympathy, but an understanding to why my daughter made such a terrible mistake.
I appreciate any and all your professional opinions and thoughts.
Also, do I get a lawyer ?
Thanks

