Shoplifting in Texas

[JasminStylesBieber]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas, I got caught stealing from Sears and it amounted to 16 dollars. I had other stuff in my bag from other stores, but they said they wouldn't charge me for it. Could they charge me for it, and will they?? My court date is on June 6, could I go to jail. It is only a class C misdemeanour and it's my first offence. Should I get a attorney? What will it help, if I get one?? I just want this to be over because it was stupid... The people were just really mean and were laughing at me because I was crying. I just don't want to go to jail, and I'm scared that I'm going to have to pay a bunch of money I don't have.... Please help me.

[jk]

. I had other stuff in my bag from other stores, but they said they wouldn't charge me for it. Could they charge me for it, and will they??

Sears can't. Were any of the other stores notified of the situation? Did you have an interaction with any of them?

yes, you should have an attorney. In fact, given you are a child, I think it may be required (but have not checked your states rules).

Where are your parents? There are going to have to be in court with you.


if you actually have no prior record, incarceration (not jail but more likely juvenile detention) is not very likely.

[JasminStylesBieber]

I haven't ever got in trouble for anything before. They asked if I had gotten in trouble for anything even fights at school, which I haven't.

My parents are going to court with me. Could I go to juvenile hall?

And no other stores were notified, they said to me and the cop they would just return them back to the other stores, but the cop showed my parents all the stuff I stole... So are they charging me with the other stuff??

[LawResearcherMissy]

The people were just really mean and were laughing at me because I was crying.

Of course they were. You weren't expecting them to be sympathetic, were you? That would be an absurd expectation.

Could I go to juvenile hall?

You could, but as jk already said, it's pretty unlikely.

And no other stores were notified, they said to me and the cop they would just return them back to the other stores, but the cop showed my parents all the stuff I stole... So are they charging me with the other stuff??

The other stores would need to be notified and they would need to press charges. Of course, if the cops returned the items, they may well have given the retailers the option of pressing charges, but if they were going to do that, you'd know by now. It's not something they get to just spring on you in court.