Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft 21, caught shoplifting, first offence, tx

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Failure10

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I was caught shoplifting last night. It was a very stupid thing for me to do and I know that I messed up big time. I've never done anything like this before...I'm a good kid, well, now a failure. I don't even know why I did it...gosh. :'( The amount that was taken from me was $38.00. I've had a clean and perfect record up until this point.

Long story short: I was taken back to the room and was asked to surrender the merchandise taken, which I did. Then, an officer came, placed me in handcuffs and took me to jail. I was bailed out by my sister and am now at work. They gave me a ticket for a class c theft charge. I have to appear in court in August. The thing is, besides calling the bail bonds office every Monday as they asked me to do, I have no clue what else to do. I am going to fully cooperate, as far as going to court and paying all fines needed to take care of the situation, that also goes for anything like community service, etc. This is definitely a wake up call for me and I can already say that I have learned my lesson. I'm scared and I don't know what to do. What comes next after court? What else is expected of me? I know I did wrong and I know I'm pleedig guilty, but what happens after that? Am I going to go back to jail? Any pointers will help at this point. Like I said before, I have never been in trouble with the law so i've never had to deal with something line this. Any information and advice will help. I know I can't take back what I did, but I want to try to make all this as right as I can, especially with my family. :'( I just don't know how (with the law) because I've never had this happen. Please help me. I'm desparate for advice.
 
I am curious as to why they (The Police) felt the need to take you to jail and require bail? This will help with your answers.
 
No the norm for a simple petty theft is to cite and release. Meaning you should have gotten a citation with a court date and "if" taken to jail only to ID you in case where you had no ID. Once IDed then again cite a release no bail! Something isnt right. Have you told us everything? Did you have ID? Did you use a tool? did you fight? Were there any circumstances you have not told us?
 
I'm pretty sure I said everything. I owned up and returned the stolen merchandise as asked. I didn't fight, argue, lie, raise my voice, or anything else to upset the entire situation. I didn't have any sort of tool other than everything that was in my purse (make up, keys, phone, random pieces of paper, gum, phone charger, etc.). And I did have ID on me, which I presented when asked.
 
I got in an accident early last year that has already been taken care of and shouldn't be a problem. I do have a speeding ticket but I've already gone to court for It, paid the fees and am in the process of doing defensive driving (my DD class is actually scheduled for the end of this month). The court date for me to return my certificate for the defensive driving is also in August. Other than that, I've got nothing...

Would a traffic violation determine whether or not I was taken to jail?
 
Not likely. Ok we will leave that issue for now. You need to start calling Lawyers. Many offer free consultations, get as many as you can. when you do ask about diversion as possible plea option. This should help protect your record
 
My older sister said "Youre gonna see the judge in the morning. You better plead guilty and pray to God that they let you off on community service..."
She told me that when she had to come pick up my car from the store...and that was also before she bailed me out of jail. I honestly don't know what to do about lawyers. How much do they run, as far as costs?
 
Is your sister a lawyer? If not why are you taking legal advice from her no matter how good her intentions. If you reread my post I instructed to get "free" consultations. during these consultations they will discuss fees. If you cannot afford these fees you can ask for Public defender at court and take what you learned from the consultations to Public defender
 
The police may have taken him in to custody for many different reasons. One might have been to verify the suspect's identity if he did not have good ID on him. Another reason might have been that the store signed a citizen's arrest for the offense, and it is common practice for that agency to book those who are arrested.

In any event, the arrest is not the big issue, the crime is. I would recommend you consult legal counsel before pleading guilty to anything.
 
I'm taking her advice because she was in a similar situation years back and I guess knows what to expect. The only difference was that her situation was much, much worse. I trust that she would be able to point me in the right direction. Which is why it's so much harder. Why did I do this?! I am so ashamed and stupid. I just hope she doesn't kick me out of her house...I'll have no where else to go.
 
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