Found an issue on this page? Let us know and we will look into it as soon as possible.
What are my options for a Class B theft charge?
Anonymous7 views4 answers
A buddy and I went into a bar and ended up attempting to walk out with some meat from the kitchen. We never left the building, and the bouncer stopped us and called the police. Since the meat was apparently $100 (pork shoulder), I was charged with a Class B Misdemeanor. We tried to give the meat back and even offered to pay for it, but the bar still decided to have the police arrest us. I would like to know what kind of options are available for me? I do not have any other theft charges, but I did receive deferred adjudication for a DUI when I was 19. I am now 21 with no other charges except the ones stated. I am very worried since I planned on applying to dental school this upcoming year. Please let me know if there are any options to avoid being charged. Thanks.
You are in a real tight spot. The best thing for you would to get a pretrial diversion but that would be very hard unless you were not arrested for the DUI and you have strong lawyer who can argue (if they will listen) that this is a different deal because of the arrest. (In Harris County you would have NO chance at a PTD.)
You are charged already and it is on your record now. The question is how to make it hurt the least. If you cannot get a PTD, the next possible thing is a deferred adjudication probation but be aware that this will remain on your record even if you seal it (nondisclosure) in the future and the dental (and all) licensing will be able to see it.
Theft is a crime of moral turpitude. The act was completed when you picked up the meet and headed out. Perhaps your lawyer can tell them you guys were joking, but that is a stretch. (Giving it back does not fix the offense already committed, nor does paying for it. If that were so, there would be no one charged with shoplifting.)
Given that you have plans to become a doctor, perhaps you need to talk with someone about your bad decisions that you make that could derail your life plans. . . . .
Courtney Griffin StamperCriminal Defense AttorneyWaxahachie, TX ·
You should absolutely consult a lawyer about your situation. If you are intending on applying to dental school, you need to inform your lawyer of those plans. The truth is, a conviction, or even a deferred adjudication could potentially affect your ability to get into dental school.
Any resolution to your case should include a discussion of how that will affect your future school and employment opportunities. Of course, you will have to tell your lawyer of your plans, otherwise she or he will not know.
Lubbock has a number of really well qualified criminal defense lawyers that can help you in this situation. It's really in your best interest to reach out and consult and hire legal counsel.
You need to hire a local criminal defense lawyer today. You may not be able to receive a nondisclosure for the previous DWI crime because of this incident. As another lawyer said before, here in Harris County pre-trial diversion is completely outside the realm now. Hopefully, it is different in Lubbock.
David Eldon MoodyCriminal Defense AttorneyLubbock, TX ·
IN some cases like this I have been successful with either a pretrial diversion or dismissal after certain conditions, such as community service, a theft class and a donation, have been completed.
