A criminal defense lawyer can always help, however this is one of the rare cases where you could probably get by without a lawyer. Yes it will be on his record until he turns 18. In reality, it will be on his record for longer but only the police and prosecutor will be able to see it after he turns 18.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/3/2011

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Yes, I would strongly recommend hiring an attorney to handle this case, particularly since a pair of shoes is generally valued at more than a couple of dollars. This is a case that would be handled in juvenile court, and an attorney can help mitigate potential consequences.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/3/2011

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You can' t go wrong getting an experienced certified criminal law specialist to help you. On the other hand if he does not yet have a court date, the probation officer will contact you and let you know if the matter can be handled informally without a formal juvenile petition being filed. If that is the case you may be able to do without one.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/3/2011

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They will most likely put him on probation to live with you. No big deal. On his 18th birthday it is wiped off his record. Juvenile courts have pretty good public defenders and since that is all they do they know the system. Qualification is based on the kid's income, not yours so he can get freelegal representation. Good luck

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/3/2011

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You don't need an attorney, but your son definitely does. If you can find someone who is knowledgeable about juvenile defense, I would hire them to protect your son's interest.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/3/2011

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Once he turns 18 the record is sealed and no one will be able to see it.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/3/2011

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You can seal the juvenile record once he is an adult and it won't show up. It always good to have a lawyer however to see if there is any defense.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/3/2011

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Yes It is a " moral turpitude" crime that could haunt him for YEARS. Good Lawyer might get lesser charge.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/30/2011

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When ever charged with a crime it's best to have legal counsel. Given your son's age I doubt that it will be treated too seriously and maybe not even charged. But for your piece of mind you might want to get some legal advise from someone who knows the system.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/30/2011

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The procedure for juvenile court cases are different that for adult court. A juvenile court matter comes to the court's attention when the police apprehend a minor for violating a statute. The court intake officer then evaluates the case to determine whether further action is necessary, whether the child should be referred to a social service agency, or whether the case should be heard in juvenile court. If the situation is serious enough, the juvenile may be detained in a juvenile correction. If the intake officer decides that a formal hearing in juvenile court is not necessary, arrangements may be made for assistance for the child. If the case should be heard in juvenile court, a petition is filed with the court setting forth the statutes that the child is alleged to have violated. If the matter proceeds to juvenile court the child admits to the allegations in the petition or denies the allegations. If the child denies the allegations in the petition, a judge hears the matter and decides whether the juvenile has committed the acts alleged in the petition. If the allegations have not been proven to the court's satisfaction, the judge will dismiss the case. If the judge decides that the allegations have been proven, he or she may rule that the child is a status offender or a delinquent. If that happens a second juvenile court hearing is then held to determine the disposition of the case. An attorney will help in this matter and should be consulted as soon as possible.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/30/2011

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You definitely need an attorney. Skilled counsel can minimize the potential consequences and maybe even keep the offense off his record.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 9/30/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.