Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft shoplifting

[mamalaurinda]

my 15 year old son was caught with a shirt in his bag but did not leave the store but was arrested and is being charged with shoplifting this is his first time what can we exspect in court and is it shoplifting if he never left the store

 

[disagreeable]

http://www.shopliftingprevention.org/shoplifting-laws/idaho-shoplifting-laws.html

You should expect a civil demand letter for about $150. In addition, if he is charged as an adult, he can face 6 months in jail and a $1000 fine.
18-4626. WILFUL CONCEALMENT OF GOODS, WARES OR MERCHANDISE -- DEFENSE FOR DETENTION

(a) Whoever, without authority, willfully conceals the goods, wares or merchandise of any store or merchant, while still upon the premises of such store or merchant, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Goods, wares or merchandise found concealed upon the person shall be prima facie evidence of a willful concealment.

 

[army judge]

He will appear in juvenile court. If he was arrested by the police, you should have received information relative to his next steps. For a $50 item, I doubt the juvenile court will bind him over to an adult court for trial.

If he detained by store security, and the police were not involved, you'll likely receive a letter demanding you to pay tribute to the merchant. If you pay the tribute, the entire matter is wiped away.

If the police were involved, you've received (or will soon receive) instructions to be followed. If you wish, it can't hurt to consult a criminal defense matter. If he goes to Juvie court, he'll be ordered to take a class (or two) on ethics, honesty, stealing, etc... He might be ordered to write a paper on being a good citizen, do community service, pay a small fine, and probation. In the end, if he does as instructed,this will all be wiped away. But, he's innocent until proven guilty. So, shutting up, waiting, staying out of trouble, going to school will serve him well.


Sent from my iPad3 using Tapatalk HD

 

[mamalaurinda]

it was only a 27 dollar item my question is would he have a better outcome if i got a lawer- public defender or we just went to court and try to handle this on our own

 

[shrinkmaster]

Public dender are only for those who cannot afford their own private Attorney you will need to check to see what your local court criteria is. Far as your plan talk to your Attorney about ACD or Diversion as plea option this should keep your childs record clean. In addition most Attorneys offer free consultations I suggest you get as many as you can. You can learn much in these consultations and take what you learn to Public defender if that is route you go

 

[guestposter]

so what is ACD and is a public defender as good as a privite lawyer and thanks for all the advice

 

[mamalaurinda]

so is a public defender as good as a privite lawyer

 

[cbg]

Often they are better for this sort of thing. But it's not a question of which is better. It's a question of whether he qualifies. If you can afford a private attorney your son likely will not qualify for a public defender.