a few days ago my friend and i got caught shoplifting 5 items of makeup that totaled to $151. in texas, this is a misdemeanor calass b i believe. We were taken to the back, got banned from the mall for a year, and were taken to juvie to get our photos taken and fingerprints which the people said would be deleted in a year. they said wed have a letter sent to u in th email for a court date.this is both of our first offenses, so, i have a few questions.
1. in court, should i plead guilty or not guilty (they have video proof) because some people to to plead not guilty and some say to plead guilty, which we very much are.. i just dont know what to do.
2. will this stay on my record forever? is there anyway i can prevent it from staying on my record? and if it does go on my record, is there any way to get it sealed.
3. is there a way to get the least possible consequence and charge? yes, i know what i did was very wrong and it was very different of me to do. im not that kind of person and it was a mistake i will never do in my life again becasue these past few days have been pure hell for me.. please help with these 3 questions! thank you so much!
*key info you might need to answer these questions*
– both 14
-totaled to $151 (5 items)
-state of texas
-we were very respectful to the cops
– first offense ever for both of us