Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: minor caught shoplifting

Yes, hire an attorney to defend her on the criminal charges and deal with the store on the civil penalties.

Re: minor caught shoplifting

What you can do about this is to hire a lawyer. You daughter will now have to face criminal charges and probably a civil demand from the merchant for $500. The sooner you hire a lawyer the better. He may be able to work out a civil compromise between your daughter and the merchant which would prevent charges from being filed.

If serious about getting help, let us know.

Good Luck.

Re: minor caught shoplifting

I agree with Mr. Moschopoulos. The consequences Mr. Stone describes may follow if your daughter is convicted, but not from a mere arrest. Given that she is a juvenile, even a conviction will be less damaging to her future than it would to an adult.

"Less damaging", though, is a relative term. You should do everything you can to minimize your daughter's exposure. That means getting her a lawyer ASAP.

Good luck.

Re: minor caught shoplifting

You can explain to her that she is now in a database and she will be lucky if she can ever get a job. Also teach her never to talk to the police except to ask for a lawyer. This is harder than it sounds. Already today I've heard from someone who is going to prison because they disregarded my advice and spoke to the police. View the YouTube video, "Don't Talk To Cops."