Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

My 17 year old daughter, good student and college bound, was arrested for shoplifting. Without the opportunity to speak with her parents, she was booked and taken to a judge where she pled guilty. She was given a fine and she accepted payments. We are going to request to see the judge and request that this be changed to community service being that she is 17 and still attending high school. Can you please let us know if this is possible and if we can get this expunged from her record? Thanks.


Asked on 7/15/12, 7:30 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Cynthia Henley Cynthia Henley, Lawyer

If it is within 10 days of her entering her guilty plea, then she can file a motion for new trial. She must have a lawyer. If this happens, she can get back into court on it. If not, then she is stuck with the conviction for the rest of her life.

At 17, you daughter is an adult and would be prosecuted in adult court if the amount had been over $50. There is no requirement that parents be contacted, etc.

There is no "changing" a judgment that is final.

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Answered on 7/18/12, 4:20 pm


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