Fifteen-Year-Old Caught Shoplifting - What to Do

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas

I'd first like to thank those answering the question. While you guys are tired of hearing "I'm Sorry!" I really am sorry and it's probably the biggest mistake I'll ever make :wallbang:

I was at JCPenney with a friend, and we got caught shoplifting merchandise. It was counted as a Class C Misdemeanor because it totaled about 38$. I have several questions after googling what to do.

*I know for a fact I am guilty, should I just plead "No Contest" and beg for a plea bargain?
*Or should I plead "Not Guilty"?
*Is there any chance of getting this expunged?
*Will I get the max sentence of 500$ even though this is a first time offense?

Please help!

I'm assuming your parents know about this. If not, then they need to be told now.

If your parents cannot afford a lawyer for you, then plead Not Guilty, ask for a public defender. Note - a PD is not free.

Your parents can expect to pay court costs and fines. You may be offered a first time offenders program. You may get Community Service. Your parents get to pay for these privileges, too.

Your parents can also expect a Civil Demand letter to arrive in the mail, this will be $200+.

Does anyone read the "PLEASE READ THIS FIRST" sticky at the top of the forum?

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Quoting PandorasBox

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If your parents cannot afford a lawyer for you, then plead Not Guilty, ask for a public defender. Note - a PD is not free.

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Can I just plead guilty because I AM guilty? :confused:

Quote:

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Quoting cyjeff

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Does anyone read the "PLEASE READ THIS FIRST" sticky at the top of the forum?

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I was just hoping I could get an answer that would be better suited for my situation :eek:

You need to TALK TO YOUR PARENTS. NOW. TODAY.

You are a minor, so you still have to bring a parent to court with you.

You really do not want to plead guilty - the judge then has no choice but to hand you a sentence within certain guidelines. The goal of a Not Guilty plea is to get you a Plea Deal - you plead guilty to a LESSER CHARGE, therefore, lesser sentence.

My parents know since I got caught, don't worry about that.

Blargh, what if I plead "No Contest"?

No contest is pretty much pleading guilty.

I guess the question is....which punishment do you want?
- The bigger one? (Guilty or No Contest)
- The smaller one? (Not Guilty....chance of a plea deal to a lesser charge)

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Quoting Marielle

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I was just hoping I could get an answer that would be better suited for my situation :eek:

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So, after reading the sticki, what specific legal nuances make your case unique?

In other words, what question have you asked that could not have been answered in the sticky?

Okay, so basically I have to plead "Not Guilty" or "Stand Mute" and get another court date. Then at that next court date, I have to plead guilty? At which case, I have to talk the DA/Prosecutor into giving me a diversion program?

Should've never broken the law...
Idle hands are the devil's handywork, Oh the trouble you'll get into... :wallbang:

Plead NOT GUILTY.

Ask for a Public Defender.

The PD then handles your case. You listen to what the PD has to say.

I'd really like to thank you for all your help and support :)

Thank you so much!