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  1. #1

    Default How to Keep My Parents From Finding Out About My Shoplifting Charge

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas

    I was caught shoplifting at Walmart and I was so scared that I thought if I was compliant and gave everything back I would get a slap on the wrist and they would let me go, but I was in the Loss Protection Office for hours trying not freak out. They filed a complaint and filled out an exclusion form and we waited for the police to arrive to see if I would go to jail or not. Since my amount was less than $50 I didn't go to jail but I did get a citation except he didn't give me a copy and he didn't tell me my court date or anything. I was basically clueless and then he told me to go home. I was scared I was gonna get arrested because I didn't know my court date so I would miss it and my mom can't find out or else I will be disowned so I've been checking the mail everyday for anything. I just searched for my citation and I have a $400 fine and a court date in a month. Can I pay the fine in payments because I don't have a lot of money? And do I still have to go to court if I pay it? Is there anyway I can make this go away? I really don't want my mom to find out, she already hates me and I have NO money for a lawyer please help.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
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    Tacoma, WA
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    1,534

    Default Re: How to Keep My Parents From Finding Out About My Shoplifting Charge

    If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian will have to appear with you. There is NO chance that you are going to keep your mom from finding out. And, no, there is NO way you can "make this go away." You need to fess up. I'm willing to bet that a court appearance is mandatory. Making payment arrangements will certainly require a court appearance. In addition to the court appearance and fines, community service, probation, etc. that may result, there will also almost certainly be a civil demand from the store you stole from. That demand will likely be a few hundred dollars above and beyond what the court imposes. That demand will also go to your parents.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: How to Keep My Parents From Finding Out About My Shoplifting Charge

    At age 17 Texas charges you as an adult. Your parents don't have to accompany you to court for an adult criminal prosecution -- and the prize at the end of the day is that you can end up with an adult criminal record.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    6,808

    Default Re: How to Keep My Parents From Finding Out About My Shoplifting Charge

    So....since the Civil Demand letter will be coming by mail....I take it you're going to suddenly take interest in checking the mail every day? Parents do get a little suspicious when their kids start doing something they normally don't do. Anyway, fess up to mom, because if you're a minor, you're gonna have to take a parent to court with you. If you're not a minor, she's gonna wonder why you're getting a letter from a lawyer.

    And you will want legal help. Because if you are being charged as an adult, a criminal record will make finding a job very difficult.

    If you're a minor I would suggest to mom that you get a job at McD's to pay her back for your legal fees.

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