It’s one of the worst calls to get. Your teen calls from the police station because they got caught shoplifting at the local mall. What should parents do?
Below is some information that could prove helpful to anyone facing that situation.
Speak carefully to your child
No matter how angry, worried or upset you might be, there will be plenty of time later to lecture them. Now, your priority should be your child’s safety. Jails, even juvenile facilities, are unpleasant places where teenagers can be bullied or assaulted by older, tougher teens facing violent charges.
Tell your child to exercise their right to remain silent until you arrive. Simply being a minor does not strip them of their basic Constitutional rights.
Once they are free
Now is the time for a serious talk. Ask them why they did what they did. Peer pressure is a powerful influence on kids, especially those who may struggle with self-esteem issues. But they should understand that there are consequences to their actions.
Few parents want that to be a juvenile jail sentence, and few judges would hand one down for a first offense shoplifting charge. Still, any conviction as a juvenile could affect their eligibility to play ball for their school, and thus any future scholarship opportunities.
Utilize the resources available to you
Learning more about the New Jersey laws concerning juvenile shoplifting can help you craft a defense that still leaves your teen’s options open. You may want to speak to several professionals, including a therapist who works with teens to get the optimum outcome.