Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Daughter 14 Shoplifting

[disciple]

My daughter (age 14) was caught for shoplifting items totaling $19 at JCPenney. The items were recovered and I had to pay $250 on civil penalties.

She was detained for over an hour and a half before either myself or the police were called. During this time, she was coerced into signing various forms including a confession, photo release form, and a civil demand notice. It is my understanding, that all of this documentation is not permissable in her criminal court since she is a minor and she was not read her rights by the police until they arrive which was after me and well after any of this took place.

In the case of juveniles, they cannot waive the right to an attorney without first consulting their parents. The parent's cannot waive the right for them, but the child cannot waive the rights until AFTER consulting the parents.

Is this true?

 

[calalily]

Two issues...

You really need to seek legal council concerning the issues you mention. What state are you in? Who detained her; the store security or local police? If it was store security you have two differrent issues as the store is private property and the police come in at their request because they (the store representatives) want to press criminal charges. The things you mention in your thread are what the law requires of the police, but I don't know if it applies to the store's or mall's security personnel.