Shoplifting in New Jersey

[bhola61]

My son was stupid enough to shoplift his age is Approx 16 years 5 months. This incident happened in NJ in a KB toys store , he was charged with stealing some yu gi h cards worth 236 dollars. according to him the store people called the police , he was afraid and gave them wrong info about himself and this pissed off the police, Finally they found his cell phone and called me and I went there , The cops were really mad at him. The were willing to show no linienecy and let him go. Anyway they gave him to me and told me I would be hearing from a juvennile board or something. This has been about one week now and no communication. I asked them for any paperwork and they said I would be receiving it in mail, nothing as yet. My questions
1. What will happen now , My son has a clean record and nothing in his record. He is an honour roll student period, He admits that this was a mistake.
2.He is also here on a temporary visa. I do not what implication would this have on that.
3. Is there a way to talk to the KB toys people and settle this without this going on his record.
4. what is the best way to handle this so that his record remains clean . This is very important for his future in this country.
5. i would really appreciate an detailed answer.

Bhola

[PaulE]

I can't say how NJ laws will want to handle this but there are a few things going against him.

1. He's 16 1/2 yrs old....old enough to know better.

2. He gave an Officer false information, additional charges may be added.

3. The intent is clear at $236......it was no mistake. A piece of gum, a pen, those are mistakes.

4. Keeping his record clean might be the least of your worries, keeping him in this country is more of a concern.

[bhola61]

Thank you for your insight, I am not defending my son here for his mistake and know he committed a mistake, having said that , kids do stupid things . We have all been there and i you look back we did as well.

being a father my concern is his future. My questions are still unanswered
can we negotiate with KB toys and can they drop the charges.
is there anyway we can find a resolution without this coming on his record
looking for an answer

Bhola

[PaulE]

Like I said, I'm not up on the laws in NJ, you better call a lawyer for his advice. KB may not want to drop the charge due to the actions of your son and the dollar amount, you and I don't know exactly what he (your son) did in the store and that might have a lot to do with it. Talk to a lawyer, they will tell you the best way to go from here.

[bhola61]

can anybody recommend a decently priced competent lawyer who has experience in this regard