Depending on the state, it is possible to have a felony conviction and still teach. In Colorado, although many principals will refuse to hire a teacher with a felony, it is possible to teach if the felony is not drug related, sexually related or violent in nature.

Clearly your daughter would like to be on the safe side and not have a felony if possible, and hopefully she will be able to have her charge reduced.

I would recommend immediate restitution of the theft from a third party such as a family member (so that there is not a direct admission of guilty by your daughter) and have your daugher speak with her private lawyer or court appointed counsel about possible mitigation in her case. Since all crimes are technically crimes against society at large, I would think that significant volunteer community service while awaiting trial would be a good idea to help give the prosecutor an incentive to reduce the charge.

I would also make sure that your daughter meets with her counsel and explains any positive things that she is doing in the community already such as any awards, certificates, acheivements, and organizations that she was or is currently a member. If the prosecutor asks the lawyer why they should reduce the charge, the lawyer will be able to formulate a good response which may allow the charge to be reduced to a petty larceny case.

Thank u