I am doing a PhD at a College in Florida.
My wife is accused of shoplifting and received a notice to appear. She, my mother-in law and my 2 months old daughter went to a shop for shopping and got a bra ($22 on the tag but $9.99 after the discount) and put it on the stroller. Then they went to look for a pair of shoes found one but couldn't find the right size. Then my daughter started crying and to see her they take the blanket and opened the curtain of the stroller which fell on the bra and made it covered. Then they went to fitting room to change my daughters diapers. After that they spend 15-20 minutes and left the store. They completely forgot to pay the item because it was covered with the blanket on the stroller.
Then they went to another store and spent 15 minutes or so in the other store. When they exit the other store the security of the shop that they took the item approached them and took my wife in to custody for 1 hour until the officers arrival.
This is more or less how it went, now we have first appearance and what should we do?
1) I heard that writing a letter to the district attorney helps, is that right? What advices would you give?
2) What happens at the first appearance?
Thanks.

