Shoplifting, WalMart, Texas, 18+

my question involves criminal law for the state of: TEXAS.

a friend and i were at wal-mart recently. for sh_ts and giggles, we decided to take a tube of foundation. it was one single piece of merchandise between the two of us, and the total of it was in between $10 - $15.

LP stopped us on our way out and escorted us back in. they asked for our information and we gave it to them, and then we had to sign a form, and foolishly i don't remember exactly what it said, but i'm positive it had to do with the "restitution payment" that we owe them, probably an agreement to pay. a cop arrived, and we were handcuffed [but not taken to jail]. we were given "misdemeanor notices", misdemeanor class c - in the state of texas at least. our court date is later this month.

now, we don't know what to do. we're 18 years old, university students with otherwise spotless records.

we want to know

- how crucial it is to have a lawyer?
[ we're hesitant to hire lawyers because that would mean `fessing up to our parents to ask for the money.. and frankly, that's embarrassing.]

- would it be wise to opt for a public defender instead, and if so, what are the financial qualifications?

- is there a way to get this removed from our records entirely?
[and how long would this "expunging" process take, how much would it cost]

any advice at all would be greatly appreciated! thank you!

Quote:

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Quoting purple_haze16

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my question involves criminal law for the state of: TEXAS.

a friend and i were at wal-mart recently. for sh_ts and giggles, we decided to take a tube of foundation. it was one single piece of merchandise between the two of us, and the total of it was in between $10 - $15.

LP stopped us on our way out and escorted us back in. they asked for our information and we gave it to them, and then we had to sign a form, and foolishly i don't remember exactly what it said, but i'm positive it had to do with the "restitution payment" that we owe them, probably an agreement to pay. a cop arrived, and we were handcuffed [but not taken to jail]. we were given "misdemeanor notices", misdemeanor class c - in the state of texas at least. our court date is later this month.

now, we don't know what to do. we're 18 years old, university students with otherwise spotless records.

we want to know

- how crucial it is to have a lawyer?
[ we're hesitant to hire lawyers because that would mean `fessing up to our parents to ask for the money.. and frankly, that's embarrassing.]

- would it be wise to opt for a public defender instead, and if so, what are the financial qualifications?

- is there a way to get this removed from our records entirely?
[and how long would this "expunging" process take, how much would it cost]

any advice at all would be greatly appreciated! thank you!

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its my understanding walmart does not prosecute for less than 25 dollars

Don't steal, if anyone makes me sign anything against my will, I would sign it under duress. Name here under duress

A lawyer can advise you about possible options, such as diversion or deferral, that could allow you to avoid a conviction. A public defender is a lawyer. You can check with the court to see how you would apply and if you qualify.

If you successfully complete a deferred sentence for a Class C misdemeanor, you will qualify for expunction. Its cost depends upon whether you proceed with or without a lawyer; if you plan on using a lawyer, ask your lawyer what he charges. Otherwise, inquire about filing fees with the court. If you are convicted, you won't qualify for expunction unless you first obtain a pardon - and that's not at all likely to happen.