Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

Re: 16 year old gets caught shoplifting

Your daughter could become involved with the juvenile court in your county. There, the deputy juvenile office might seek an informal adjustment hearing or might go ahead and file a Petition in court asking the court to take jurisdiction and supervise your daughter. I do not think that a municipal court or a state court would take a case against your daughter, but if so, it might be possible that she could recieve a conviction which would be very bad for her permanent record. Please consult with a lcoal attorney and share all of the facts with that attorney. This is too important to proceed without legal advice specifically based upon your daughter's actual circumstances.