Teen Stole To Support Family

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas (Tarrant County) Theft $50-500

I'm a 17 year old young male who's living situation is not dirt poor but very hard on my mother and me.

I picked 3 games from a Sears..totaled to $160 dollars..I did not take them for my own leisure but so that I could sale them to help my mother make ends meet. It makes no difference why, but the crime was still a crime and i still went to jail for a night...I have not yet been issued a court date yet but is wondering what could happen to me. This is my first offense..I have no record of anything. I just wanted to help my mother. My judgment was clouded by all the pain and suffering we go through together and all i wanted was to do something to make her happy and ease her mind even just a little. If there is any help at all please let me know. Please tell me something other than "find a lawyer and talk to him"... This is never going to happen again.. If anyone can help please let me know..I have been punished enough by seeing my mother's tears as I was arrested...

You want to hear something like, if you want to help support your family, get a job?

The reason you would want to discuss your case with a local lawyer is to find out what local courts do with cases like yours. It's possible that somebody familiar with Tarrant County's courts will happen by in the next day or two, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

What you would want, if you can't get a diversion program, would be to try to resolve this as a deferred Class C misdemeanor such that you will ultimately qualify for expunction (after you successfully complete probation). Something that may make you look better in the eyes of the court and the probation department? Getting a job.

Drop the Stole to support family line and never use it again. That would piss off the judge and he'd come down hard. You're in a big city so you have a good chance of getting this reduced or deferred (as per Mr Knowitall's post) You will be getting a letter and bill from Sears for 200-300 bucks called a civil demand you must pay this. Then ask for a public defender but be aware many courts don't give you a PD for misdemeanors. The PD will work out a plea arrangement with the county. Your first court date you will enter a plea (you should plead not guilty) the prosecutor or judge may may offer you a deal at that point you will need someone to help you decide if it's a good deal or not but you don't really have many options without hiring a lawyer.

He will want to hear something like. "I didn't think things through I just stole the games on impulse. I didn't realize how much trouble I could get in how it would effect my future or the pain it would cause my Mom. Your honor I will never never shoplift again.

Thank you...and since you said that I will not say that in court...although it maybe true...i will take your advice but this is my first offense will anything really major happen to me...

Quote:

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Quoting Mr. Knowitall

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You want to hear something like, if you want to help support your family, get a job?

The reason you would want to discuss your case with a local lawyer is to find out what local courts do with cases like yours. It's possible that somebody familiar with Tarrant County's courts will happen by in the next day or two, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

What you would want, if you can't get a diversion program, would be to try to resolve this as a deferred Class C misdemeanor such that you will ultimately qualify for expunction (after you successfully complete probation). Something that may make you look better in the eyes of the court and the probation department? Getting a job.

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My judgment was clouded I didn't think stuff all the way through. I know it was wrong and it wont happen again. I guarantee that. But yes you are right there are other ways of doing things and I did not choose the right way.