My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas.
I have heard so many different stories about this, just from reading the threads here and from talking to others in the same situation.
I was caught shoplifting at Walmart. It is my very first offense and has been classified as Theft Misdemeanor B. I cooperated and spent a night in jail until my parents could post my bail and pick me up (I'm 20).
What the arresting officers told me:
I can ask for deferred ajudification at my arraignment, be good for six months or so, and this will be erased from my records. Researching here and on other Texas law websites, I found this is not completely true. From this forum, I gathered that my record will be sealed but not entirely expunged. But reading other websites, I can petition to have it expunged. How likely is that to happen?
I want to gather as much information as I can as well as verify a couple of things:
1. I should plead not guilty even though I kept apologizing when LP caught me. I heard, though, that I will get the max sentence should I plead not guilty and am found guilty.
2. At the time of arrest, I was carrying enough cash on me to have paid for the items I stole. What does this do to my case?
3. I have started looking for criminal defense attorneys and have asked for a free consultation with one.
4. I do not see how I can get off this charge to be honest. If I can, that would be great and a definite lesson learned on my part. But my main concern at this point is getting the record either sealed from the public or completely expunged. What are my chances for either?
5. Also, can I get more information about diversions and whether or not they are offered in Texas?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

