Why was a 16 year old in VA beach without you?? Terrible parenting.

I would not let her stay in there for more than a day or 2. You don't know what kind of lessons she is learning from the other girls.

Anonymous wrote:^^Nor necessarily correct if juvenile. Consult a real lawyer who doesn't go by the handle "Anonymous"

she is currently in detention. I wanted her to learn her lesson, and the place is actually not that bad. There is only a handful of girls in there.
She is a minor.

^^Nor necessarily correct if juvenile. Consult a real lawyer who doesn't go by the handle "Anonymous"

^^^ not legal advice ^^^

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this her first run in with the law? It seems a lot of posters are assuming it is, but I haven't seen OP actually state that.

OP - it is her first offense

That’s helpful. Talk to the PD. He will k ow the prosecutor’s charging and plea policies and can tell you what offer is usually extended in this kind of case. If it’s a deferred sentence or any arrangement that ends with dismissal of the case, ask the PD to make it happen as quickly as possible. If the normal plea requires that your daughter enter a plea or (as a juvenile) admit responsibility, talk with the PD about requesting a deviation/better offer.

Is your DD being charged as a juvenile or an adult?

Regardless of the answer to the above, your DD needs to know that a criminal history will reflect this arrest. She will likely have to disclose this on college applications and maybe future job apps. It can affect her ability to obtain a professional license because theft is usually considered a crime of moral turpitude that reflects on her trustworthiness.

Lastly, is your DD sitting in juvenile detention now or has she been released? I would not let my kid sit there a moment longer than I had to. I don’t know about the facility she’s in (if any) but many are not especially safe.

Anonymous wrote:Is this her first run in with the law? It seems a lot of posters are assuming it is, but I haven't seen OP actually state that.

OP - it is her first offense

I’m a prosecutor and to be quite honest I often give better deals to the public defenders I work with on a regular basis and I know well. Nothing p*sses me off faster than some hotshot slickster thinking he knows everything coming in and acting like God’s gift to the justice system when in reality he’s a total douchebag who’s had way less trials than 1) me and 2) any PD I know.

A public defender may not be as terrible a choice as all the people on this thread, who probably have zero experience with the criminal system, are saying.

Understatement of the year.

I would def hire a private attorney. As so many have mentioned, a felony can ruin your life. Your daughter can get a job and pay you back for the legal fees.

Is this her first run in with the law? It seems a lot of posters are assuming it is, but I haven't seen OP actually state that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BTW, FELONY shoplifting? What did she boost?

A car?

Haha, no not a car. She stole some jewelry, but the amount was 201.99. Evidently, if it's over $200, it's a felony.

I find it interesting that you’re laughing and that you confirm she committed a felony.

Interesting or not, there are two major emotions in a very stressful situation - you either cry or laugh. I will do both, depending on my level of control.

Anonymous wrote:I think anyone with no lawyer has the right to a public defender

Also, I'm not sure how good background checks are at finding stuff from before the age of 18

I was arrested for something kind of silly in high school, had community service because of it and never mentioned it or dealt with any issues related to it on college or job applications

thank you

Anonymous wrote:I’m a prosecutor and to be quite honest I often give better deals to the public defenders I work with on a regular basis and I know well. Nothing p*sses me off faster than some hotshot slickster thinking he knows everything coming in and acting like God’s gift to the justice system when in reality he’s a total douchebag who’s had way less trials than 1) me and 2) any PD I know.

A public defender may not be as terrible a choice as all the people on this thread, who probably have zero experience with the criminal system, are saying.

OP - Thanks for this advice. Although I do have a lawyer that I spoke to, I really don't have $2.5K to hire him if I don't need to.

PDs are skilled lawyers, many of whom are later appointed to the bench as judges, go into private practice as a defense attorney, work in state attorneys or attorney generals offices. They are not incompetent attorneys because they have to handle death penalty and other serious criminal cases. They have a much heavier case load because they are representing mostly indigent clients. I agree with an earlier PP that you should meeting with the PD and get a feel for theurchandling if the case before getting a private attorney. I am a corporate attorney but know plenty of attorneys in my community who started off in the PDs office and are now judges or private defense attorneys.

Anonymous wrote:Why was she stealing in the first place?

Presumably because she wanted something and didn't have the money for it.