My daughter is 17 and was just caught shoplifting in Williamson County, Texas. They took her to jail overnight and she's to meet with a judge in the morning. I'm not familiar with the Texas Laws, or the Williamson County laws for shoplifting.

This would be her first offense. So I have a couple of questions.

1. Is she considered a minor in Texas at age 17?

2. Do we need to contact an attorney to be with her in the morning when she meets with the judge?

3. Should she plead guilty or not guilty and then try for some type of deferral.

Thank you... Lynn

I'm not from Texas, but I'll answer for Florida. She will likely be given a chance to post bond, which usually is dependent on crime, flight risk, other factors. At 17, she is a minor, and I think eligible for a public defender. Which will be determined by her parents financial status. What happens then, is that a date will be set before a judge for either pre-trial, or the trial itself. If she cannot make bail, then she stays in prison. But here's the good news. First time offenders, and shoplifting are not considered "crimes of the Century". So bails are usually low for first timers. Also, bail bondsman/women generally only charge you 10% of the bond as a fee, so you don't have to put up the whole money, you just have to make sure she is on time for that first trial date. Check Nolo: Law Books, Legal Forms and Legal Software, or your states legal system, for further details. Even your county clerk of courts can have some good info on their website. Best of luck!

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Originally Posted by aig

My daughter is 17 and was just caught shoplifting in Williamson County, Texas. They took her to jail overnight and she's to meet with a judge in the morning. I'm not familiar with the Texas Laws, or the Williamson County laws for shoplifting.

This would be her first offense. So I have a couple of questions.

1. Is she considered a minor in Texas at age 17?

2. Do we need to contact an attorney to be with her in the morning when she meets with the judge?

3. Should she plead guilty or not guilty and then try for some type of deferral.

Thank you...Lynn

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The age of majority in Texas is 18 so, yes, she's a minor.

No, she does not have to make her first appearance with an Attorney. She will be given a hearing date - perhaps bail will be set - and at that time she will "probably" need an Attorney.

An Attorney will know the legal climate in your area and give you the best recommendation concerning a plea.

Just out of curiosity - jail on a first offense is pretty severe. How much did she steal? Were there other circumstances? Are there other charges - resisting arrest or something?

Thanks for your advice... first offense, probably not more than $10 theft.

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Originally Posted by aig

Thanks for your advice....first offense, probably not more than $10 theft.

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Wow - Texas is tough!

Otherwise - same advice and hopefully a night in jail set her straight.

Come back if you get a chance and let us know how things work out.

OK while she is a "minor" most 17 year olds will be charged as a adult. Since she went to jail, yes she is being charged as a adult, if she want to a juv detention center she will be tried as a minor.

Also minors are almost never keep over night, but released to parents.