Shoplifting a $900 Item

[Jinque]

My mom was taken to Dallas, Texas county jail for trying to steal a shirt worth $900 at Nordstrom. I bailed her home and started looking through many posts here but the majority of them are Class C/B and/or dealing with minors, and nothing this high. From what I've gathered we should go hire a criminal defense attorney. Not a single thread that I've read has said that there will be jail time, but I haven't come across one that is Class A based on value, instead of due to being a 2nd charge. This is my mom first's offense ever. Also, she is self-employed so we don't exactly care about it being on records or not, though I'm not sure if it matters for anything else. Hence the outcome that has the least jail/community service time and fines/fees would be ideal.

So my main concern is what are the chances of jail time and how long if so? This is what I'm most worried about. Any additional advice on finding a lawyer, what the lawyer will do, and costs to be expected (lawyer, fine/fees, civil demand, anything else?) would be appreciated if you have time to comment, but I know I can just shop/ask around and I'll see the bills eventually.

Thank you (all) for your time.

Also, I don't know atm if she signed any admissino of guilt at Nordstrom or the jail, if that matters. I basically asked her how much the item was, dropped my jaws, and drove back in silence.

[PandorasBox]

This is what I found so far:

Your mom committed a Class A Misdemeanor. Court costs and fines. The fines can run up to $4000. She likely won't see jail, but some community service. Possibly an anti-shoplifting program (neither are free, she gets to pay for these privileges).

The Civil Demand: The law allows the victim to collect actual damages, plus up to $1,000 against an individual. So I would not be shocked if the Civil Demand was for $1900.

A lawyer will run atleast $1500. But will work to get her into a Diversion Program or a plea deal to a lesser charge (therefore, lesser fines).

I'm sure she is banned from Nordstrom. That means ALL Nordstrom's, nationwide. If she is caught going into one, she'll face Criminal Trespass charges.

I'll say this also: $900 is a lot. This is not your mom's first time shoplifting. It's just her first time getting caught.

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PS: One more reason to get a lawyer and try to get a First Time Offenders Program, Diversion, plea deal to a lesser charge...

I don't know the living situation. But having a theft record can affect getting an apartment.

[Jinque]

Thank you much for your input. We already own our house and cars. I think the only thing she does that would involve records of any sort is renew her travel visa to travel abroad (she has a permanent resident green card).