Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

Re: Tenage daughter caught shoplifting

Because she is 17, and the value was only $50.00, she will be charged as a juvenile, rather than as an adult. Whether or not you need to hire a lawyer is a decision only you and your daughter can make. However, a lawyer would be able to help you navigate the process and discuss with you the various possible outcomes.

Feel free to contact my office if you would like to discuss the case in greater detail.

Re: Tenage daughter caught shoplifting

Hello: I saw your question and the one response. That atty is correct. I'll offer a little advice on the procedures. First, there is arraignment. Here you show up in court and enter a plea. If you want to look into the facts and see if you can beat the case, or if you want more time to think over the alternatives, you plead NOT GUILTY and ask the court for a pass date. This is common.

At the arr. date, the State may tell you and the court what they would recommend as a sentence if you want to enter a plea (guilty or No Contest) and forgo fighting the case. If you don't like the offer or simply need more time as I mentioned, get a pass date. We can do this a few times until the Court thinks we should be moving faster and may set it for trial at the next court date.

If it is a first offense, the State offer may be very reasonable. Prior to Court, you may be contacted by the State Attorney's Office. They may offer your child a choice to enter a diversionary agreement. This is where she makes an agreement with the State to do some things (community service hours, pay fine, tour the jail or something else). Upon the completion of the obligations, the case will be dropped. So, the result is that she would never go to court, and she could possibly seal this record.

There may also be a civil claim by the retailer. A statute allows the retailer to sue a defendant for $200.00. They would contact you separately if they are desirous of making that claim.

'Hope this helps. If my office can be of any assistance, please give us a call. Tom Rosenblum