Hi,

 

I was arrested Friday night the 4th of November, I was bonded out after about 4 hrs. my question is what do I need to do next I have a completely clean record with only one speeding ticket that is on my record but I've done everything to take care of it. I do not know how I was caught because I was in the dressing room and the clothing items did not have any sensors on them. I was stopped outside the building and asked to come back in. They then searched my purse found the items and called the cops. I'm trying to figure out if there is any way to have this removed from my record I'm a good kid in my third year of college. I just made a bad mistake and I'm worried about being able to get a job. I know it's a little early to be asking questions since I haven't even had a court date but like I said I'm new at this I do not know what to expect or what to do to get prepared any help at all would be appreciated.

 

Thank You!

Yes, you need to get an attorney.  In my county, if it is your first offense and a misdemeanor, you will often be offered a "deferred prosecution" deal, where you can plead no contest, do some community service and not even be on probation.  I don't know if this is common in other counties, but it is sure worth discussing with your attorney.  If you were able to get this type of deal, you can later get an expunction and it will not be on your record at all.  Don't get too terribly excited about this because it may not be available or common in your county.  They are pretty common in Travis, especially for a Class B first offense.

Do everything possible to retain an attorney, don't just take a court appointed one. If you have to go to your parents and beg, do that.  If you have to take out a loan, do that.  Court appointed attorneys, in my experience, will generally try to get you to take the first offer. 

If you have to show up in court (often you do not, especially early in the process) please dress appropriately.  If you have tattoos, cover them up.  I went to court dozens of times and I think I know all the gang tattoos in my county.

I am probably butting in here, but please get counseling.  It sounds like you may well be a kleptomanic and if you are you will get caught again and again.  I used to be a therapist.  If you VOLUNTEER (THROUGH YOUR ATTORNEY – for God's sake don't call up the DA and volunteer this or anything) to get counseling and admit you have a problem, they MAY be more sympathetic to your case.  Personally I was tried and convicted in the media but I really doubt your case even made the papers.