Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

My 14 year old son is being charged with petty theft as he was caught on video at his school shielding his friend while he (the friend) stole an ipod. My son states that he didnt know what was happening at first that he just jumped on the bleachers to sit cause he was tired and when looked behind him to talk to his friend he noticed his friend stealing the ipod. He admits that he should have walked away because the video looks imcremating and not telling someone was wrong but to charge him with petty theft in my opinion is wrong too epecially when the 16 year old kid who stole it advoided arrest by fleeing to a relatives house in a different jurisdiction. My question is can I fight these charges and should I get a lawyer? The arresting officer said I didn't need one because he was appearing in family court and not criminal court. There are also no signs in the school gym saying it is under video survallience. I am hoping my Son learned a lesson about who he chooses as friends but I dont think he should be held accountable.

Asked on 1/26/12, 10:32 am

Robert Evans Robert S. Evans esq.

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0 attorneys agreed

If you choose to fight the charges, you should indeed retain a competent criminal defense attorney.

Answered on 1/26/12, 2:16 pm

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