Juvenile Law in Georgia

[bubba]

My 12 year old son was caught stealing in a local discount store. The store manager called the other boy's parents and said we would get a letter explaining what happens next. What will happen to him? What will we be held accountable for? What are the maximum fines? He and the other boy were caught stealing laser pointers. This is the first time he has been in trouble.

 

[Been there]

Not sure about the laws in Georgia, but in the same circumstances in California, if the letter is being sent by the store manager and not the local police, chances are no charges were actually filed. If this is the case, your child may just be banned from the store for a period of time etc. If the police were called, they would contact you instead, but considering your son's age and his relatively minor first offense he would probably at most have informal probation and/or community service. Since there were no actual damages, you will probably not be liable for anything or have to pay any fines. Hope the states aren't too different and this relieves your worry somewhat.