Neighbor's Son Shoplifted - What to Do

[Webster]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey.

My neighbor's 11 year old son recently tried to shoplift from Costco.
After being stopped at the exit, the son and parent were taken to the office, where forms were filled out, licenses/membership cards were copied, and such.

About 15 minutes in, a police officer arrived, with a form.

They honestly and completely filled out the form, and the police officer said they would "forward" it to the neighbor's hometown police station (since the store was in a neighboring town).

They are in the process of consulting a lawyer, and I'm really concerned about the kiddo since he is amazingly well at school, and in life, but one mistake costed him a lot.

The police officer said how they do it in their town is that they give the juvenile offender community service, and when asked about other things, he did not reply.

I have lots of questions, and I apologize for that, but I really care about our neighbors, and want to try to help them as much as possible.

The item stolen was a digital camera, valued at $199.

• Will the family go to court?
• How long is the community service for NJ?
• Will this be on his record?
• Is this a formal paper arrest?
• When will the family be able to try to seal the record?
• What are the cons of sealing a record and between destroying one?

Thank you so much, I may have more in the future.

[cyjeff]

The item stolen was a digital camera, valued at $199.

• Will the family go to court?

• Perhaps... probably.
  
  

• How long is the community service for NJ?