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sugermel7 · Dec 10, 2011, 05:41 PM

My daughter is 16 and was just cought shoplifting she was with another 18yr old the combine total between the 2 was 400.00 neither of them have ever been in trouble for anthing with the law what do you think there outcome will be at there trails

Fr_Chuck · Dec 10, 2011, 06:25 PM

The most likely events ( esp since we don't know your area)

The store will send you a letter in a few weeks asking for a civil penalty, this will be 300 to 500 dollars.

At court she can or should ask for a diversion program where there will be no record after she finishes the program. Normally this will be community service, perhaps probation and a 300 to 500 dollar fine from the court.( the money to the store is different from this)

At 16, she is being tried in Juv court instead of adult court ? I ask this, since anything done in Juv court is sealed when she turns 18.

sugermel7 · Dec 10, 2011, 06:29 PM

Yes She is being tried in Juv Court. 18yr old will be in regular adult court.

Fr_Chuck · Dec 10, 2011, 06:36 PM

Juv Court ( if anything like the ones locally here) will be better but at times worst. They are free once she is part of the court system, to look into home life, school, grades and more. And they will come up with a program that they believe bests helps the child. ( or so that is their story) but best , no matter what, her record seals.

So I would still hold true except perhaps lower fines from the court, and a little longer probation time so they can follow the child's progress.

sugermel7 · Dec 10, 2011, 06:50 PM

The area is Michigan. So were looking at probation and fines?

sugermel7 · Dec 10, 2011, 06:57 PM

Is the 18yr old the same

Fr_Chuck · Dec 10, 2011, 07:03 PM

16 year old, yes and perhaps some community service, For the 16 year old the PO will most likely want to see school grades, and they may ban them from the store this happened.

The 18 year old about the same, if they get a first offender program, or diversion program ( names vary) their record may be sealed or other options if this is their first time. Most likely higher fines for 18 year old.

sugermel7 · Dec 10, 2011, 07:10 PM

Thank-you so much for you help. Its greatly apprecaited.

sugermel7 · Dec 10, 2011, 07:16 PM

Thank you you where very helpful...

Fr_Chuck · Dec 10, 2011, 07:33 PM

As a note, these are educated guesses and assumptions from what I have seen. Doubtful if there is any worst punishment, as long as both 16 and 18 year old are respectful in court.

Always of course with proper legal representation, that esp in Juv court they even dismiss the charges ( not a good chance but always a chance)