I have a good kid at the age of 19 who made a stupid mistake and shoplifted from JC Penny. She has a preliminary hearing next week. Do I need to hire a lawyer for a first time offense to protect her?
Welcome and thank you for your question!I am very sorry to learn of this experience. The answer to your question is that "no" a lawyer does not have to be hired.If your daughter wants, when she checks in to court, she can ask where does she go to first meet with the prosecutor to see if a plea agreement can be negotiated.Court staff will tell her where to go. As a first offender, the prosecutor will likely offer a deal where, if she stays out of trouble, the case will be dismissed or made non-public.It has been my pleasure to assist you today with your information needs. It is my goal that you are satisfied. No expert can promise you an answer that is favorable to your circumstances. But I will do my very best to explain the legal principles that are related to the facts you’ve described so that you can better understand the “why” of things. What are your options now?If you wish to continue this conversation, click on the Continue Conversation link. If you are satisfied that I have answered your question, then please rate the answer with a four or a five so that I receive credit for assisting you. Positive ratings are the only way I receive credit for assisting you today.IF you feel the need to click either "Helped a little" or "I expected more," then do not rate me (not yet, anyway!). Instead, reply to me using the REPLY or CONTINUE CONVERSATION button. Specify what additional information you need and I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek. Thanks, ~~ J.B.