Q: My daughter is 17 and was written a citation to appear in court for shoplifting. What I can I expect to happen?
It was under $1,000. We live in TN. She has never been in trouble before. However, the officer who wrote the citation accidentally listed her as 18 and she is only 17. So, the citation is written for her to appear in adult court. I am extremely scared for her and do not know if I need to spend large amounts of money on a lawyer or what may happen to her if I don't. Can you please advise? Any help is much appreciated.
A: If it was $ 500 or more, it is a Felony. But probably not as a Citation was issued. Hire a competent attorney at a minimum fee to either get it Diverted or transferred to Juvenile Court. A conviction will hurt her forever. She may need to make restitution.
A:
It is not uncommon for someone of her age to be tried as an adult. In Tennessee, theft from $500 to $1000 is a Class E felony. TCA Section 39-14-105(2). It is punishable from 1 year to 6 years in prison. The fine is up to $3000.
A felony conviction is very serious. Yes, she should obtain local counsel.
A:
I agree with my fellow counsel who have already posted that
you should seek out an experienced criminal attorney for
your daughter. In today's world if someone has criminal history
it can impact them in in a negative manner for years to come.
Finding the right attorney should reduce your stress levels
and hopefully resolve your daughter's case without a conviction.
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