Expert: Robin Sexton - 6/1/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have been caught by security in texas yesterday.He gave me a ticket which is a traffic Violations ticket and in the Other Violations he put Theft under$50 $17.90.
Is this considered as a crime and would it tshow up in my background checks?
Would I have issue with my citizenship process to happen next year?
What is the process next I asked the cop and he said that I can either pay the Muncipal court by phone or I could go personally and pay, How bad are the consequenses? I'm already half dead with guilt.
Please I beg foe some help.

ANSWER: Picchi,

Without a lot more information it is hard to be specific.  However if all the officer did was give you a citation and you just pay a fine then this would be a civil issue, noncriminal.  If no fingerprints are taken then it should not show on any criminal history. If you are very concerned because of your up coming citizenship you would be wise to consult with a competent criminal attorney in your area.

Good Luck


Robin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Robin,

You appear like GOD to me now.Thank YOu Thank YOU!

But please could you reconfirm it is civil issue and not criminal but I read my own question and I hope you did not misunderstood that the store security gave me the ticket.
No a cop was called and he gave me the ticket which still was a traffic violation but he put a comment theft in the other violations column.

The cop asked me to call the municipal court and pay the fine. so if I tick the Plead guilty and pay the fine does that mean I'm convicted and it would appear in my criminal records?

Please help me!

Answer
Picchi,

Very simply, call the court indicated on the citation. Ask if the charge is civil or criminal. If civil and you wish to just pay the fine then feel free to do so.  With no fingerprints or formal charging there will be basically no record.  If they advise you this is criminal, then contact a competent attorney local for a consultation.  They can best advise you on what is common procedure locally and what paths are open to you.  Sounds like a very minor issue that can be handled very quickly and painlessly

Good Luck


Robin