What is the cost of defending a shoplifitng charge of a 16 year old?

Question

16-year-old boy walked out of a store with unpaid for beer value of $20.00.

Steven Alpers · Answer

I would have to know where and what other issues if any are being raised.

Gregory Casale · Answer

I wouldn't be able to quote a fee without knowing more about the situation.

Gregory Crain · Answer

That would be $500.

Michael Clinton · Answer

Different attorneys will charge you different amounts.  I would charge  you a flat fee of $2,000 if you wanted me to represent your child.   Given the facts, there may not be a great deal that can be done with the  underlying charges.  An attorney may be able to obtain a disposition of  the matter that may be more to your liking than that offered by the  prosecution.

Matthew Friedrich · Answer

It depends on a number of factors, including the attorney you are looking to hire, the court in which the case is pending, the prosecutor and judge assigned to the case, etc.

Dennis P. Mikko · Answer

Criminal and/or juvenile defense is usually charged on an hourly rate.  The total cost would depend if it matter goes to trial or not.

Stephen Richards · Answer

That would be $2500.

James Edward Smith · Answer

That would be $1,000.

James Osak · Answer

Approximately $500-750 for starters.

Stephen Freeborn · Answer

The cost depends upon a lot of factors:  how much the attorney charges, how aggressive the attorney needs to be, whether the prosecutor is willing to "negotiate", whether the case has to go to an actual trial.  Fees could run from, probably $1000.00 on up.    Things to consider:  the amount/value of the item is irrelevant.  The charge is shoplift or theft 3rd degree.  This is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine.  The fact the defendant is 16 years old also does not matter as, I suspect he will be charged into adult court.              If this is his first offense, there is a good chance he will not do any jail time; HOWEVER, an attorney could best serve this person by doing what he can to prevent this from being a permanent part of his record (avoiding a conviction).  A conviction on his record could be bad news as it will impact his ability to get a job (no one wants to hire someone who steals and cannot be trusted).  Additionally, a criminal conviction may impact the colleges he may be able to get into (if that is his goal) and it will disqualify him from being eligible for certain college loans and grants.  Bottom line:  this is serious.  The implications are more far reaching than simply his dealings with the court system.   An attorney is going to cost money but if he/she can keep a conviction off his record, it is worth whatever you end up paying.

Ryan Maesen · Answer

It varies, but it will start at $500 and could go up to $1500 depending on the attorney and whether the defendant wants a good plea deal or wants to go to trial.

Charles Gaebe · Answer

The retainer required in criminal cases varies depending on a number of factors.

Steven D. Dunnings · Answer

More than $20.

Thomas Edward Gates · Answer

It is highly likely the boy can be represented by a public defender. Because it involves under age alcohol possession, the sentence will be more then just s shoplifting charge.

Robert De Groot · Answer

The charge for defending a case like this depends upon the area you are in and the going rate for a juvenile delinquency case. It could be as low as $500, or as much as $3500. You usually get what you pay for.

William Spern · Answer

Value is immaterial. I would charge $1,500.00 to defend the matter.

Terry Nelson · Answer

Whatever your agreement is with the attorney.  You can expect to pay fees from $1000-1500 minimum, and up from there, depending upon the case and what you want done.

Jared Winter · Answer

It totally depends on the attorney you hire.  Contact some criminal defense lawyers in your area that take juvenile cases.  If it turns out that you can't afford to hire a lawyer that you like, then ask the judge to appoint the public defender when you go to court.

Michael J. Breczinski · Answer

If the charge is not defended and the minor gets a record for theft the monor will find it hard to get  a job in the future since who wants to hire a thief.

Philip Hache · Answer

He may also be charged with minor in possession.

Eric Rothstein · Answer

Lawyers charge different fees based on experience.

Timothy Klisz · Answer

It varies based on the location and experience of the attorney. It is worth interviewing a few and hiring one you are comfortable with.

Stuart Nachbar · Answer

Probably about 750 depending on which court you are in.

Michael Palumbo · Answer

An experienced, reputable criminal defense lawyer will run you at least $2,500.00.

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What is the cost of defending a shoplifitng charge of a 16 year old?

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