Arrested for shoplifting (demeanor) in Texas while on H1B - info needed

sarunmphil2014

By sarunmphil2014,
in Criminal Issues

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sarunmphil2014 Newbie

sarunmphil2014

Posted
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My friend got arrested for shoplifting in JCP worth about 80$. He is on H1B valid till end of 2014. He was in jail from (day1) 10pm to next day (day2) 9pm (almost 24hrs). He mentioned that while in jail when he is about to meet the judge (thru Television) but without meeting the judge he was brought to releasing room because he was bailed out for 500$ bond. The charge says misdemeanor (for theft 80$). His first court date is next couple of days. We need clarification on the following things.

 

1. He was trying some inner-wear and personal accesory in the fitting room and forgot it completely. while he was about to leave the shop he was brought back to the inquiry room by an in-store officer. (he did not fully leave the shop with the unbilled merchandize). He is not really intended to steal things but this happened unfortunately. Now he is confused, whether to say guilty or not guilty or no contest as he need to relocate to india ASAP as his family in need of his physical and financial support. 

 

2. What will be the usual punishment for such case in texas? 

 

3. Can he request to the judge dismiss the case by paying a penalty or taking up a diversion program or do community service since he is planning to go back to india as his family is in need of him and he is the only earning person?

 

4. Will he be deported and his H1b will be cancelled? 

 

Any additional information on the about case would be much helpful. 

 

Thanks.

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jairichi Advanced Member

jairichi

Posted
Posted

 

My friend got arrested for shoplifting in JCP worth about 80$. He is on H1B valid till end of 2014. He was in jail from (day1) 10pm to next day (day2) 9pm (almost 24hrs). He mentioned that while in jail when he is about to meet the judge (thru Television) but without meeting the judge he was brought to releasing room because he was bailed out for 500$ bond. The charge says misdemeanor (for theft 80$). His first court date is next couple of days. We need clarification on the following things.
 
1. He was trying some inner-wear and personal accesory in the fitting room and forgot it completely. while he was about to leave the shop he was brought back to the inquiry room by an in-store officer. (he did not fully leave the shop with the unbilled merchandize). He is not really intended to steal things but this happened unfortunately. Now he is confused, whether to say guilty or not guilty or no contest as he need to relocate to india ASAP as his family in need of his physical and financial support. 
 
2. What will be the usual punishment for such case in texas? 
 
3. Can he request to the judge dismiss the case by paying a penalty or taking up a diversion program or do community service since he is planning to go back to india as his family is in need of him and he is the only earning person?
 
4. Will he be deported and his H1b will be cancelled? 
 
Any additional information on the about case would be much helpful. 
 
Thanks.

 

Ask him to take the help of an attorney in situation like this and not to decide the course of action by himself.

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planetgourmet Member

planetgourmet

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Posted

Get an attorney and try to get the outcome as not "crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT)", which is common in these cases. He should be fine afterword even for Visa stamping.

 

thanks,

 

yes, i agree with this.  get a lawyer ( local ) to help with the court case.

let the lawyer speak on your behalf ( do not say anything except thru the lawyer )

at the hearing.

 

he is presumed innocent until found guilty.

 

fyi, there is a quota at retail stores ( i work at nord* );

they must " catch " a certain amount of people per day.

 

pls let us know any updates of this sad situation

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planetgourmet Member

planetgourmet

Posted
Posted

nord* because of having an excellent reputation makes sure that there is no grounds

for a mistake because of a possible lawsuit.

 

i do know that there is a quota for them;

yes they cannot willy nilly detain anyone;

however if they do not question anyone during the day\

( that is part of their quota ). someone will be asking why their department exists.

 

the best is OP has to speak thru his lawyer.

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