My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas
I made a huge mistake recently by stealing an $8 bottle of mascara from the grocery store trying to save a few dollars to survive in college, and it cost me big. I have no criminal record and have never even considered doing something like this until the other day. I am so embarrassed about this and just want to get it off of my record and put it behind me. I was issued a citation but was not arrested. I have read that I should plead not guilty and talk to an attorney or ask for deferred, but I am lost. I have never been in a situation like this and I am so scared that this will ruin my life. Any advise you have for me would be an incredible help.

