Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

17 Year Old Caught Stealing

We have a 17 year old daughter who was caught stealing at Walmarts last week. We were out of town for the weekend and she was given the priviledge of spending the night in a jail cell at the Taylor MI police department. I feel that this one night in jail educated her more than she could ever have imagined.

First offense (she stole makeup valued less than $50.00)

It is my understanding that she goes to court within the next four weeks.

My question is: Should we hire an attorney? Should she plead guilty? Not guilty?

What are we looking at as far as penalties or fines?

Please advise!


Asked on 8/15/05, 10:14 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Lawrence Neace Law Offices of Lawrence M. Neace

Re: 17 Year Old Caught Stealing

You probably should hire an Attorney. There is a possibility of this offense not being placed on your daughter's permanent record. If you have an attorney the odds of this occurring are better. I handle many cases in the Taylor District Court and would be willing to help your family with this problem. I can be reached @ (248) 305-9900, or emailed at [email protected]. Please contact me if you have any other questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Lawrence M. Neace

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Answered on 8/15/05, 10:45 am
Henry J. Legere, Jr. Law Office of Henry J. Legere, Jr.

Re: 17 Year Old Caught Stealing

Your daughter should have an attorney represent her. Since she doesn't make too much money she should be eligible for a court appointed attorney.Don't worry most court appointed attornies do an excellent job. Providing this is your daughter's only contact with the criminal justice system she should be looking at probation and not jail time. She may also be eligible for some sort of deferral program where if she successfully completes probation the case would be dismissed and she wouldn't have a public record. That way employers or schools would not know she had a bit of trouble. If either she or you have suffivient funds you caN HIRE A PRIVATE ATTORNEY TO HANDLE THIS MATTER. IF YOU DON'T KNOW A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY CONTACT THE LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE OF THE WAYNE cOUNTY BAR. THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO REFER YOU TO A SEASONED ATTORNEY. GOOD LUCK.

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Answered on 8/15/05, 11:30 am


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