Is it still shoplifting if you don't leave the store with the items?

He can if they believe he was acting as an accomplice by helping him shoplift in some way or was a conspirator and that he was in on the plan to shoplift. An accomplice or a conspirator to a crime is treated the same as if he committed the crime.

Of course he can, and in fact he has, otherwise there wouldn't be a court date. Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted he can kiss his grad school and career aspirations goodbye. Hire a lawyer for him before he gets duped into a plea you both will regret for life.

You only have to have the intent to deprive the owner of the merchandise, not leave the store. Young people account for most of the shoplifting because they are very poor decision makers and some have a poor moral compass. They are risking their career and reputation for a few dollars worth of stuff they do not even need so it shows how clueless they are and how much they have to learn about the world. Teach your children to follow the law or they will not be able to get a decent job. Parents have to warn kids because kids are not that smart about these things. If your son intended to steal the merchandise or knew the other one was stealing he is guilty but it will be dismissed if it is a first offense if you retain a good lawyer.

He can be charged as an accessory to his friend's shoplifting. I suggest that he hire an attorney to represent him.