Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

14 yr old first time offense

Is it better to pay fee and do community service (or whatever is mandated by the judge) for 1st time shoplifting offense for 14 yr old in Tx then get expunged when she turns 17? Or do the deferred adjucation (or is it judification)? They both seem like them end in the same result. I am trying to find the best option for a first time offender who will never do a such a stupid thing again and are wanting to avoid it affecting the rest of her well planned out life. It is well planned by her own accord where she knows where she wants to go to college and what she wants to major in as well as what type of job she wants when she graduates. I don't want this one stupid mistake to follow her the rest of her life. She wants to apply for jobs and I am concerned this will come up although it is a class c misdemeanor for shoplifting. The jobs are to build money for going to college.


Asked on 5/01/08, 9:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: 14 yr old first time offense

I recommend deferred adjudication. Does your town have a "Teen Court"? If so, this is an even better option. An attorney might be able to get the entire case dismissed.

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Answered on 5/02/08, 8:16 am


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