Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

15-yr old son was caught shoplifting and carried 2 pocket knives

My son, 15 and his friends (16 and 17) went to the mall about a month ago. They got this stupid idea to steal a CD each at a Target store - and were caught by the security guard. They all had a CD in their pocket

My son said while they were walking to the cash register, he was going to turn and pay for it, but it was too late.

He had enough money on him to buy ten CD's and knows better - but it still happened.

Also, when they searched him, they found his 2 pocket knives (a small butterfly knife and a 4-inch (''unlawful'' blade pocket knife he carries around sometimes for self protection (neighborhood and mall have had incidents happen) - but I did not know about the knives until yesterday.

I am very scared of what the judge might think of him (he never got into a fight or in any trouble, just made a stupid choice to ''go along'' with his stupid friends, not thinking about the cameras and doing the right thing anyway.

What are usually the punishments for those 2 charges?

I hope he can finish up the school year (9th grade) and maybe serve community service during summer??? Help,please. I also don't know if I should get a lawyer quick (court date is on May 11, cannot afford a lawyer. Help! Thank you!


Asked on 5/05/06, 12:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: 15-yr old son was caught shoplifting and carried 2 pocket knives

Your son should be represented by an attorney on these criminal charges. If you cannot afford to hire one, then ask the court to appoint one.(If your income is too high to be considered for court-appointed counsel, then contact one of the low cost legal services providers in your area such as Catholic Charities or Northern Virginia Legal Services(or their counterparts) and see whether they can be of assistance.

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Answered on 5/06/06, 7:32 am


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