I've had a look through the threads and most Theft under $5000 don't refer to juveniles. My 13 year old was caught shoplifting about $60 worth of cards. They are pressing charges. Since I am conming into this totally blind, what can I expect from here? All I know is he will get a letter in the mail from the police with instructions. Thank you!

It helps if we know where you are - the States and Countries vary.

I would expect a strict lecture, probably having to pay back the value of the merchandise, some community service, being banned from the store for at least a year.

I'm going to assume you're in Canada. I also understand the Court sometimes asks the parents what THEY did to punish the child.

We are in Victoria BC Canada.

They are pressing charges. Since I am conming into this totally blindHello h:

You're not totally blind - we are. You know they're pressing charges. You know you're going to receive something in the mail. You know he stole $60 worth of stuff.

How do you know that stuff? I ask, because I'm not absolutely CERTAIN that he's being charged... The stores in Canada like to SUGGEST he'll be charged if a fine isn't paid... That isn't true, so I want to know how you came into that information. If you get a letter from the store, you'll see that they can only sue you (your son) CIVILLY and they cannot charge him with a crime...

But, I'm only guessing. There's nothing to do now other than wait till you get the letter and see what it says... Then get back to us.

excon

Hmmm.. interesting excon. What the man who was holding my son at the store said was that they were insdeed pressing charges and to expect a letter in the mail from the police poutlining when my son has to go in and be fingerprinted. There was no mention of paying the store back, or their suing him, or that we'd got correspondence from the store as well. But I appreciate your insiht it gives me hope! :)