My son, the shoplifter

[MySonIsTrouble]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

My son was caught shoplifting with his girlfriend at a major store. The charge was grand larceny ($720 worth of CDs/DVDs)
A few notes: He's 17, first offence, TRIED to pay restitution (they wouldnt accept it), and cant pass a drug test (pot)

A) What should I expect to happen to him?
B) What should I do (short of hiring a lawyer.. I have NO money to do so unless I get a public defender)

 

[MySonIsTrouble]

If anyone could give me some information, itd be much appreciated. His first court date is on Friday!

 

[racer72]

A. Possible jail time, a hefty fine, community service, probation, random drug testing. It really depends on the actual charges brought against him. You both should also expect the retailer, through a law firm, to send to a civil demand letter, depending on your state's laws, it could be anywhere from $500 to over $1000. I don't have the exact civil demand statute available at this time to give a more accurate amount.

B. You can ask for a PD, his odds of beating this are probably not that good. A private attorney could improve those odds slightly. I would also suggest hinting at him getting a job to pay the large fines he is looking at.

 

[MySonIsTrouble]

Any advice on getting it dropped to some sort of misdemeanor? I know its very difficult to get a job with a felony on a record.

 

[Hot Topic]

All you can do about getting the charge dropped is to consult your attorney.

Your son is a thief and has used pot. He needs to learn that there are consequences for his actions, not that someone is going to get him off (or a lesser penalty) for breaking the law.