how can a parent see a video survelliance tape of their child "supposedly" commiting a crime, in a store?

Question

my child, young adult, was accused of theft, I requested to view the survelliance tape, but was told I cannot. I have searched all over the net, to see if parents have any rights to view the tape, but apparently not. The young "security gaurd" can view it, but not the parents? I would like to see for myself what went on....

thanks all, she isnt 18, and what it was is a gift card, that she used. The store said it was theft, and called the police.

thanks all, she isnt 18, and what it was is a gift card, that she used. The store said it was theft, and called the police.

Answer 1

You can but you will have to get a court order.
My sister went through the same thing after being assaulted at a dept. store and they wouldn't let her view or know the contents of the video without it.
Even the police have to get a court order sometimes to view a surveillance video it's just a legality.

Answer 2

You state that your child is a "young adult". Is he over the age of 18? If so, he's an adult, and you aren't entitled to any information about his case. He can tell you about the case, but the prosecution and probation are not required to tell you anything. In addition, if he has an attorney, even if you're paying for the attorney, the attorney does not have to tell you anything. He is the client.

If your child is under 18, you do rights to see things concerning his case. If you want to see the tape, you would have to file a motion for discovery with the court once charges are pressed against your child in court. If you don't follow the proper procedure for discovery, the prosecution is not required to produce the things you request.

If your child has an attorney, the attorney can request discovery.

Answer 3

It costs money to review surveillance tapes. Are they asking that you reimburse them? Are they trying to make an issue of it?

In worst case scenario the police are called and he is released to his respective parent or parents. The charge would be petty theft. I dont think there is a prosecutor in America that would take up that case for sheer wastage of time with no results, save for a stern warning. Juveniles never serve jail time unless it is a reprehensible act (murder, assault, much drugs,).

Answer 4

You being the parent gives you every right to see what any and all
of your children are accused of! I would suggest going out and getting a good lawyer and going from there. Just like the store owner has rights SO DO YOU!!! I would give them a headache
they won't soon forget!!

Answer 5

I think we..the parent should be able to view it. As a parent, your young child is probably guilty of what ever happened...but even good kids get caught up into bad things.. or wrong place at the wrong time. No matter what ... support him.. I have learned recently that once your kid is 18, we have no rights as parents. But you can bet that they will blame us for things happened.

Answer 6

well, i don't about the legal aspect of the issue, but i mean, the way i see it is that if the store was absolutely convinced that your son stole something, and they feel that the proof on the tape in unquestionable, then they shouldn't really fear anything and they should show it to you! i find it weird that they don't want to show you the tape...

Answer 7

It aggravates me to work out hippies, flower children , and those merely "experiencing existence" all lumped jointly as criminals. authentic hippies and flower children were no longer, that they had a "peace, and stay and enable stay" mentation.