Wimberley, TX Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

Since the US mail was used, this likely could be a federal offense. What the possible penalties could be would depend on the actual charge. As a general rule, federal penalties are tougher than Michigan's.

A theft by check is a crime can cause a serious problem regardless of the degree of the offense. In Texas a $21 hot check is a Class C crime punishable by fine only. You cannot be sentences to jail time and can only be jailed for non-payment of a fine. There are several way for it to be handled and the lawyer fees charged will depend on how important keeping a clean record is to you. First the case can either be tried to a court or a jury if the facts warrant it. If not a plea for deferred adjudication is necessary to create the opportunity to remove the arrest and sentence from the record. Done properly, the cost may be from several hundred dollars to several thousand. If the case can be dismissed without trial there will no conviction on the record but the charge and arrest will be on the record. The cost for a dismissal will be in the low end of the fee range. If trial, the fee will be higher and if it is won you can file for an expunction which causes the record of arrest and filing to be destroyed. Here you will pay for the trial and expungement. The expungement is the most expensive as it is a new lawsuit with a filing fee as well as attorney fees. I hope this helps as an guide to the possibilities available to you. 

You should not be held responsible for purchases you did not authorize or participate in. They may just want to talk with you regarding the case as being a witness. You can always bring a lawyer or another adult with you to talk with the police if it makes you feel better. Keep in mind you don't have to talk to the police. But unless you've somehow been involved in something wrong, they probably just want to talk to see what you can tell them.