Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

My TEEN daughter was caught shoplifting, what to do?

My 14yo daughter was found shoplifting a $4 item from a store. She was issued a citation with a court date, not arrested or taken to jail. And she did this while on a school trip! She's a very bright kid with no prior incidents and made this idiotic mistake based on a dare. Her grades are usually As and Bs, she's in the Leadership Team, extremely well regarded at school, member of a professional dance company, tons of academic awards since elementary school, etc. She's not going through a phase or anything of the sort. She's facing not being able to participate in her Jr. High graduation ceremony and, obviously, a myriad of privileges taken away at home. We've never been confronted with anything even remotely close so we're at a loss as to what to expect and do. Should we plead not guilty and plea bargain with the DA? Should we hire an attorney? Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Asked on 6/21/04, 6:25 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: My TEEN daughter was caught shoplifting, what to do?

The normal answer is that having an attorney at court will result in the best possible outcome. The choice is yours, of course. Having an attorney shows the court that you take it seriously, and that it has cost you money, so the court doesn't have to 'punish' you as much. It is a minor charge, by comparison to others, but the court is still going to impose some punishment and probation. Contact us if you want to have counsel help.

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Answered on 6/22/04, 2:24 pm
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: My TEEN daughter was caught shoplifting, what to do?

Thank you for your posting.

It's almost always in your daughter's best interests to have a professional review the case, and negotiate for her. Unfortunately, the DA often doesn't negotiate very far with persons who represent themselves, and even the theft of a relatively inexpensive item like the $4 item mentioned can have long lasting effects as far as a criminal record.

I hope that this information helps, but if you want more information, have further questions, or feel that you need legal representation, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. It's my pleasure to assist you in any way that I can.

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Answered on 6/21/04, 8:38 pm
George Woodworth Law Office of George Woodworth & Associates

Reply: My TEEN daughter caught shoplifting.

Hello---Thank you for your questions. Well, first and foremost, from your description of your daughter and her activities, it certainly does not sound as if she is a bad kid, or the type to continue to be involved in such regrettable activity. This must be brought out in any discussion with the DA, and this should be done by an experienced criminal defense Attorney. You may find that such a representative may be able to get her out of this situation in a way that won't harm her future. To discuss further, email me, or call: (562) 754-7422, for a free consultation from an Attorney with over 27 years of winning results in Criminal Defense.

Attorney George Woodworth

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Answered on 6/21/04, 11:08 pm


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