my little brother is 14 and just got caught shoplifting at a convenience store. it was stupid stuff like candy and an energy drink but the store called the police. he’s never been in trouble before and he was freaking out. they let him go with my mom but said he’s going to get something in the mail about a court date.
we’re in a small town so i don’t know how serious this will be. i’ve been trying to calm him down but he’s terrified he’ll get a record forever. my mom is also losing it a bit and doesn’t know what to do next.
does anyone know what usually happens for a minor’s first offense like this? is it going to be on his record? is it worth getting a lawyer or will it just be a warning or community service or something?
any advice would help.
Location: Texas
Comments
He will get a warning and community service but if he continues to shoplift he will get a record
I got picked up for shoplifting around the same age. I had the deal where it didn’t go on my record if I didn’t get arrested again.
I don’t even list it on applications or anything. Your brother will be fine
A lawyer would help. There’s no way for us to know what punishment he will get.
If you can afford it, a lawyer is always best. It should be nothing, but its Texas and you may have the wrong skin color, or there could be something else out of your control that causes it to escalate. The fact its even going to court is.. not great.
If you get a lawyer they may be able to knock it down to a lesser charge. My brother got arrested for shoplifting at the mall. Lawyer got it knocked down to loitering and he got banned from the mall