Richmond Juvenile Shoplifting & Theft Lawyer

Was Your Teen Arrested for Suspicion of Shoplifting or Theft?

Understanding what “stealing is considered a crime of moral turpitude” means can be complex. Rather than a lapse in judgment, stealing — including shoplifting — is viewed as a reflection of one’s character. For this reason, juvenile theft offenses tend to “stick” and may harm that person’s reputation and opportunities far into the future.

At The Law Office of Larry McDougal, we have been successful in helping youths accused of theft and property crimes avoid both juvenile detention and the long-range consequences. Our goal is to keep a shoplifting or theft charge off of your teen’s record.

Our Richmond criminal defense practice represents youths in the juvenile courts of Fort Bend County, Texas.

Fort Bend County Theft Defense Law Firm Representing Juveniles

Our attorneys have handled the full range of juvenile charges, including:

Beyond the public embarrassment, a shoplifting or larceny arrest can trigger many consequences. The store or mall may issue a criminal trespass warning that bars the person from the premises. For a Class C theft such as shoplifting, a youth will usually be released to his or her parents. For a Class B or higher offense, the youth may be sent to juvenile detention for the night.

The judge might order restitution, community service and probation. Formal probation is equivalent to a conviction in the adult world, with a long detention likely for a subsequent arrest or probation violation. Our goal is an informal probation that results in no adjudication on our client’s record if the terms of probation are adhered to.

While the court punishments are severe, the worst consequence of a juvenile theft offense may be the future impact. We represented a young doctor who had graduated from medical school and nearly finished her residency. When she applied for a Drug Enforcement Administration license to prescribe medications, her application was kicked out because of a shoplifting charge at age 14! Our attorney persuaded a judge to seal her juvenile record, but similar scenarios happen all the time. One youthful mistake should not interfere with an otherwise bright future.

Our founding attorney, Larry P. McDougal Sr., has practiced in juvenile law in Fort Bend County since 1994. Before that, he served as a police officer and prosecutor. He draws on that unique background and years of experience to provide sound counsel and strong legal advocacy.

Arrange a Free Consultation to Learn How We Can Defend Your Teen

Contact us today by email or by calling us at (281) 823-9377 to arrange a free consultation with our Richmond shoplifting defense lawyers. Get experienced representation in your family’s corner.