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You’ve just returned from lunch break and are informed that the police caught your teenager shoplifting at a mall in Rochester. Yet, this is not atypical. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, 24% of shoplifters are teens ages 13 to 17. Your heart pumps a little harder. Will they get arrested? How can you prevent such behavior in the future?

What happens if your teenager is caught shoplifting in Rochester? If your teenager is caught shoplifting in Rochester, there’ll be consequences that vary in severity. Here are the four most probable scenarios.

1. Your Teen May Be Taken to Jail

Going to jail is the most severe consequence your teenager might face if the court classifies shoplifting as a class B demeanor. According to the state of Texas’s official website, a class B misdemeanor in Texas can result in a jail sentence not exceeding 180 days or a fine of $2,000. In most cases, the juvenile court will likely not take this as the first course of action, especially because the teen is a minor.

2. Your Teen May Pay a Fine

The court may order your teen to pay restitution for the money shoplifted. If this is the first time the teen is caught shoplifting, it may be treated as a summary offense. Similarly, if your teen is caught shoplifting for the first time at the King of Prussia Mall or any other mall in Montgomery, and the total value of goods stolen is less than $150, that’ll be treated as a summary offense per Pennsylvania General Assembly.

3. The Court May Order Probation

Your teen will be under observation, and the court may order that they attend after-school activities, do community service, or maintain a specific average grade in school. The probation may go on for six months or more.

4. Your Teen May Be Released to You Under Stern Warning

In the best-case scenario, the criminal justice system will release your teenager to you without consequences such as jail time or fines. However, it’s a stern warning that another brush with the justice system will result in harsher consequences. In such cases, it’ll be your prerogative to help your teen avoid contact with the justice system.

How to Stop Your Teen From Shoplifting in the Future

No parent would want their children to commit crimes. As a parent, you have the ability and mandate to correct and steer your teen in the right direction. Here are three ways.

1. Settle on Consequences Early On

You should make the child understand that committing crimes has consequences. Talk through these consequences with your spouse or co-parent early and without hyped emotions, so you can present a united front. A severe punishment might disorient your teen, while being lean can make them downplay their actions. Choose a suitable balance.

2. Set a Good Example

Children pick habits from adults faster than they pick words. Allow them to pay at the counter so they can appreciate the role of commerce. Pay for everything in their presence to make them understand that you must pay for anything that isn’t yours. Be clear and firm with your discipline, and always follow up your words with actions.

3. Engage Them in Positive Extracurricular Activities

A local church is one of the best places to start. In 2018, 58,048 people were received into communion with the church. There, they can be in good company and learn good morals. Sports are also beneficial activities that help your child focus on the positive.

If your child is caught shoplifting in Rochester, there’ll be consequences. The severity will depend on whether this is the first offense or pattern. Without proper disciplinary action, your teen may continue shoplifting. Setting a firm, clear and loving course of discipline will help your teenager get back on track.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 at 6:58 am and is filed under Rochester News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.