My 17 year old daughter was detained at a store with a group of 3 other girls for shoplifting. She had no idea anything was taken by anyone. It turned out 1 of the girls admitted to taking a purse, sunglasses, and an energy drink. My daughter had no idea why she was being detained and they wouldn't tell her, she didn't realize what was going on until the other girl confessed. The officer that came read her her miranda rights and asked her questions about the incident. She told him she knew nothing about it. I believe her. We are in a very tight situation and cannot afford all the fines , or an attorney. Is there anything we can do ourselves to get these charges dropped?

Public defender?

Is there anything we can do ourselves to get these charges dropped?Hello k:

Yes. Don't let her talk to anyone. If the other girl admits that nobody else knew what she was doing, that should pretty much let your daughter OFF the hook. She's not guilty simply because she was there.

Do NOT accept a plea because it seems like the easy thing to do now. It will SCREW her up in the future!!

excon

On the day that she appears in court for the first time (which should be soon) - the court will read the charges against her and then ask her how she pleads - guilty or not guilty. Tell her to plead Not Guilty. Then the court will set a date for trial and will generally ask if she has an attorney or can afford one. She needs to say she does not have an attorney and cannot afford one and the court will then set her up with a public defender. If the Court doesn't ask whether she has an attorney - your daughter needs to speak up then and say that she needs a public defender. Sometimes - if bond has been posted - the court assumes that an attorney has been retained as well.

I also agree that she should not be speaking to any of her "friends" that were at the scene - for any reason.