Asked 7/21/17 – Dallas, TX

I was recently caught stealing at target for about $53 worth of stuff. The police were called they took down my name and address. And told me I will receive a citation in the mail. What is a citation? What happens if I just pay for the citation? Will it be on my record forever? This is my first offensive I can’t afford a lawyer 🙁 pls help me I’m so scared

Answer

In your case, a citation is a notice of where and when to appear in court for a class c misdemeanor criminal charge, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. If you just pay the citation, a final conviction will be entered on your criminal record which will remain forever. This is a crime of moral turpitude, and a conviction will affect you for the rest of your life, so call a local attorney upon receipt of the citation; it will not cost as much as you think.