What should we do if our 18 year old daughter was caught stealing a pair of pants at department store?

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What should we do if our 18 year old daughter was caught stealing a pair of pants at department store?

This is her first and only misdemeanor charge. She has paid restitution to the department store, there are no further charges.However, the county in which the incident occurred is expecting her to attend a court date early next month. She has a new job in our county, is a first year college student, a good student and diligent worker. She is remorseful and would rather her present employer not know of this incident. Is this possible? What will the court expect from her? Can she keep this off her record? Can she do something to prepare for court date, letter of positive intent?

Asked on January 22, 2014 under Criminal Law, Florida

Answers:

Stan Helinski / McKinley Law Group

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

If she's trying to handle this without a lawyer, she's making a major mistake.  If she wasn't arrested, and this is a misdemeanor, she has a right to a clerk's hearing.  At a clerk's hearing, she should see if she can make a deal without it hitting her record. But this is something you would most certainly need a lawyer for if you wish it to be effective. 


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