Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in Michigan

Re: Theft by a juvenile

Yes, you will have to pay the $200.00 regardless. The recovery is based on the restitution they are entitled to for having to pursue shoplifters. If you do not pay them you may rest assured the court will order you to do so--better to do it in advance of the court date and use it as a positive. If this is your stepson's first brush with the system you might ask for an "open adjournment". This is where the court will give the juvenile a period of time--usually 4-6 months to keep out of trouble and if he does so upon the elapse of the time period--the charges are dropped and there is no record of it. When you go to court--both father and mother should go--stress family support, 1st contact with system, good grades--whatever you can to show the court that this was an exercise of poor judgement and he has learned his lesson--also a letter of apology to the store manager is in order. Good Luck.