It may be surprising to note that more than half of all shoplifting cases are committed by adolescents. This is a scary statistic for both teenagers and parents out there. No one wants to get the phone call that their son has been arrested for shoplifting, but if the call comes, it’s best to be prepared. Here are the facts about shoplifting and Minnesota defense attorney options that will help you understand the situation a little better:

• Shoplifting is not something that will be overlooked, regardless of your age or your reasons for doing it.

• Even if you only shoplifted a small item, such as a pack of cigarettes or a bottle of juice, you could still be arrested and charged for petty theft.

• Shoplifting under $400 is considered a petty theft but there are still severe consequences for those who do not have proper representation

• First offence shoplifting cases are often punishable by a small fine and one year of probation for teens and juveniles; however, all cases are handled differently.

Juvenile Cases and Shoplifting

While there is so set reason why shoplifting is so common among teenagers, here are a few key factors that contribute to the high rate of petty theft cases in juveniles:

• Unlike adults, juveniles are either not working or working part time and thus do not have disposable income to spend on items. They make up for this by stealing the items they want.

• Juveniles may give in to the peer pressure of being cool and want the best stuff, regardless of how they get it

• Some teenagers enjoy the thrill of shoplifting and getting away with it. Teenagers who constantly steal just for the sake of it are often referred to as kleptomaniacs.

• Many teenagers do not have a lot of after school activities to keep them busy and thus shoplifting is a way to pass the time with their friends.

Juvenile Shoplifting Advice for Parents

If your son or daughter has been charged with shoplifting, the first thing you need to do is contact a shoplifting defense lawyer who can assist you in determining the facts of the case. Many parents will be so confused and angry by the charges, demanding it is all a big mistake that they are not able to think clearly. Most parents will also try to fix it themselves, as this is what they do best. Letting a MN defense lawyer like Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. assist you and your child is the smartest move a parent can make to fix the situation.

Minneapolis Defense Lawyers Can Help

If you are a juvenile who has been charged with shoplifting, don’t wait until it’s too late. Seeking an experience defense lawyer is your best bet in ensuring your case is handled accurately and in the best of light. You do not want something like petty theft on your criminal record forever.