QUESTION
Will this shoplifting charge ruin me? What would my sentence be?
Asked on Jun 26th, 2018 on Criminal Law - Texas
More details to this question:
I'm 17 and I got caught shoplifting yesterday (I'm from Texas). The police were called and they gave me a court date but I was not arrested, they took my info down and my mom's info too. I stole $53 of merchandise from a beauty supply store. The police told me I was in the age where I could be arrested. Do you think a judge will give me a harsh sentence if this is my first time getting caught? Will this be a misdemeanor or a felony? Will it show up on my record & ruin my life? Also, do I have to get a lawyer even if I can't afford one or can I show up to court without one?
1 ANSWER
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney serving Fort Worth, TX
Partner at
Varghese Summersett PLLC
3 Awards
A theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude in Texas.
A theft under $100 without priors is a Class C misdemeanor, not a felony.
A conviction will remain on your record forever and you are an adult in criminal courts in Texas at 17. You want to avoid a conviction.
Answered on Jul 16th, 2018 at 11:34 AM