Can my daughter avoid a record for her shoplifting misdemeanor?

Full question:

My 18 year old daughter was arrested for shop lifting. The value of the shirts was $60.00. She received a Class B Misdemeanor and will go to court May 15. I have heard that if she pays the fine the charge will stay on her record if she takes probation it would come off her record at the end of probation, is this correct? This is her first offense and has not been in any other trouble could I possibly get this reduced with just fines and nothing on her record? Can I do this myself with out legal aid?

  • Category: Criminal
  • Date:
  • State: Texas

Answer:

If you choose to handle this without an attorney, consider speaking with the prosecutor about your options. There are various ways to resolve the situation, such as probation, dismissal, or simply paying the fine. Since this is your daughter's first offense, you may be able to negotiate for a resolution that doesn't result in a permanent record.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If a teenager is caught shoplifting, they may face criminal charges, which could result in a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen items. Consequences can include fines, community service, probation, or even detention in some cases. First-time offenders may have options for diversion programs that can help avoid a permanent record.