My Child Was Caught Shoplifting. Do I Need a Criminal Attorney in Missouri?

You Have the Right to Defend Your Child When a Shoplifting Case Arises in Missouri. Learn More From the Criminal Law Attorneys at Haden & Colbert

Shoplifting is a common offense among juvenile crimes in Missouri–at least one in four juveniles has admitted to shoplifting before the age of 16. Whether they steal after facing peer pressure or have a mental health disorder, getting caught shoplifting can lead to a mountain of negative outcomes. If the owner of a store decides to press charges against your child, you will soon have a legal case on your hands, and you need to have the proper resources ready. 

The most important resource is a discerning juvenile criminal defense attorney by your side in Missouri courts. To fully understand why legal counsel is so vital, parents must understand the scope of their child’s shoplifting charge. Continue with the knowledgeable lawyers at Haden & Colbert and learn how you can be there for your child when their record is compromised. 

An overview of shoplifting laws in Missouri

The details of your child’s shoplifting charge will vary based on the value of the items stolen and whether or not this was their first offense in the state of Missouri. If the value of the property involved is less than $500, it will likely be considered a Class A misdemeanor, potentially resulting in a fine up to $1,000. However, if the value of the stolen property exceeds $750, the charges become more serious. Shoplifting in Missouri can be a Class D felony for stolen property valued below $25,000. From fines to probation, none of the results without legal representation are ideal for your child’s future. An experienced attorney like Haden & Colbert can provide you with a clearer outlook on your child’s case following a deep one-on-one consultation. 

What are the consequences of a shoplifting charge for your child in Missouri?

The process of handling theft for minors is a bit different from charging an adult, often putting a focus on rehabilitation when possible. In addition to fines and other legal penalties, other potential consequences for your child include hours of community service, counseling programs, compensating the store owner through restitution, or a placement on probation by your local Missouri court. 

The effects of shoplifting charges can also last long after their sentence is served, and continue to damage opportunities for your child as they get older. Later in life, they may have issues applying for an apartment if the landlord sees a theft charge on their record. This can even bar them from getting into one of their dream institutions for college or lead to student aid being withheld, further adding to the difficulty of finding options in the career they wish to have. One stolen item off the shelf can become a lifetime of dilemmas for your loved one. Make it a priority to find proven legal assistance for your child as soon as possible.

You can potentially have the charges dropped or reduced by proceeding with a Missouri criminal defense attorney

The duty of criminal lawyers in Missouri is to make sure your child’s rights are protected and their side of the story is heard. With a trusted legal team, they can devise a strategy for speaking on behalf of your child in court and communicating with the opposing counsel. Whether it’s reducing the amount of time on a sentence or working on a plea bargain to prevent the shoplifting charge from staying on their record, a dedicated criminal defense attorney will exercise every possible option to advocate for the child’s reputation. By taking no action at all, the verdict of their shoplifting case will be much more severe. As soon as you know a juvenile theft charge is possible for your child in Missouri, contact a criminal law firm for help. 

Why choose Haden & Colbert’s Missouri shoplifting attorneys to guide you through the judicial process? 

Criminal misdemeanors and felonies can vary geographically, and it takes a lawyer who understands your state’s laws to fully represent a shoplifting case in Missouri. When it comes to decades of hands-on experience, active communication, and a skill for presenting valid arguments in local courts, you can feel safer about your child’s future with Haden & Colbert. We’ll start with a consultation to learn all about the case and the charges they are up against. Our Missouri shoplifting attorneys can push for the rehabilitation or diversion program your child might need and create a customized solution. Don’t let a mistake steal your child’s chances for growth–consult the lawyers at Haden & Colbert about juvenile laws in Missouri. 

Our criminal law attorneys bring extensive experience to the legal landscape in Missouri. Learn more about Haden & Colbert’s criminal defense practice before reaching out

We are qualified to help you with your shoplifting charge because we specialize in a range of practice areas for criminal law, many of which are common crimes among younger populations in Missouri. For example, Haden & Colbert offers defense and support for issues like a minor in possession of alcohol or attempting to buy alcohol with a fake ID. These are all frequent charges among teenagers and college students, especially in an education-forward community like Boone County. Our criminal law attorneys can even represent cases of DUI and DWI for those with a serious offense at risk of staining their record. With more than 2,000 criminal cases under our belts, Haden & Colbert is prepared to be observant and take notes while fleshing out the details of your child’s shoplifting case. Learn more about our experience in Missouri’s criminal law practice before getting started with our longtime law firm.

Call Haden & Colbert Today & Start Discussing Your Child’s Shoplifting Charge in Missouri. We’ll Make Sure You Aren’t Empty-Handed on Your Court Date

A shoplifting case can be a huge obstacle for both you and your child, but with our discerning attorneys, you can make a stand for your freedom. The understanding team at Haden & Colbert will walk you through the judicial process and utilize years of criminal defense experience to offer comprehensive service for Missouri defendants. Give us a call or get in touch to schedule your and your child’s first consultation.