A family member is being charged with larceny. We believe she took around 10,000. from her employers. What can she expect.

In my opinion, everyone's goal in these cases is usually to make the victim whole. Therefore, the key is making restitution, or at least being willing to. Nobody gets paid back when a defendant is in jail.

The larger the amount of money you can get together before negotiating with the State, combined with a willingness to try to get the whole amount in as little time as possible, will likely carry the most weight in getting the best deal. However, do not promise what you clearly cannot deliver in an effort to get a better deal: that may show that you are not acting in good faith.

The best you can hope for is probation to make restitution. $10,000 divided by 60 months is about $170/month, so it's possible. Most victims do not want to wait 5 years for repayment however, so a large chunk up front, or more per month, is more likely to be accepted.

The worst you can accept is some jail time and a large civil judgment or probation to pay once you get out. It depends on many factors, so I agree you need to speak with a local attorney. What I've written here is from my experience in Duval county.

That family member made a mistake, if indeed they took that money. If they are sorry and worth helping, maybe the family can put together a few thousand to offer to the victim up front, through your attorney, of course. That may buy them a better position from which to negotiate the final disposition. Then they must do their best to fly right and pay everyone back as best they can. But please, talk to a local attorney. Good luck.