So my son and I stayed in the car while his friend went in to try to retrieve the money. I (obviously) took them to a different Walmart than they were arrested at.
I mentioned to my son that he'll likely end up barred from ever going to that Walmart again. He remarked that HE hadn't actually stolen anything.
I told him I'd read the police report.
He denied handing the other guy the DVD's, even after being told that was what the witness said happened...and that the police report said he admitted that he knew the other guy was going to steal them. He actually denied saying the things the police say he admitted to...stating that he did not admit or deny anything. I asked him who he thinks people will believe; him or the police? I admit, I did not come right out and say it...but implied...that I did not believe him. I should have just said so. I didn't bother telling him that I'm sure that there are security tapes and probably a recording of his police interrogation.
I also told him I expected the BEST outcome will be a suspended imposition of sentence and probation, which would, if he completed the probation successfully, would result in no actual conviction. I told him I'd probably go with him. I also told him there was NO guarantee that the prosecutor or judge would go for that plea bargain and if not, and he ended up with a misdemeanor conviction then he would just have to take it and let the chips fall where they may.
I also told him, "If you lay down with dogs you get up with fleas." and that if he's going to hang around with people who steal, what does he expect? And that I don't know a thing about this other guy...except that he steals...and that neither one of them are high on my list of favorite people right now.
Finally, when they realized it will be tomorrow to get the money and no buses will be running, I told them that I did not know if I am available tomorrow, as Jabber and I have plans. There was a remark about it being a really long walk (and it is several miles) and I told him, beggars can't be choosers. Pity he's never taken his bike, because it would be a simple bike ride.
Then I went dropped them off and went shopping.
So...we shall see. I'm just not going to dwell on this whole thing. The fact is, a hired attorney could probably get him the SIS and probation given his age, lack of any priors and the very small amount they attempted to steal. Can I? I don't know. PA's tend to do things when an attorney is hired that they won't do without one...kind of "they've already been punished" by spending money on a lawyer. I know that sounds terrible, but in my experience that is sometimes true. There are offices that literally won't amend a ticket, for instance, unless an attorney enters an appearance. I've had that happen just a few weeks ago...a little old lady at church got a ticket and I managed to get a friend to handle it pro-bono, because it was only a phone call and a letter to take care of it.
I've got 3+ weeks to figure out what I'm willing to do and what I can do...and whether I'm willing to help him - Just. This. Once! - remains to be seen.
Your son admits to the cops he went to the store to steal and you think his friend is a bad influence? Lil, Lil, Lil. Same could be said about your son by the other mother. Just saying because it seems even in the face of the facts that he stole numerous times from you two and now police report you seem to still be somewhat in denial that he is the problem, not who he hangs out with.
