Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught shoplifting in PX for $7 item

[Ms_K]

Jurisdiction

Georgia

Im an independent 36 yrs of age. Caught shoplifted in PX for $7 worth of item. My very first offense, no any record at all and will never ever do this again. Taken by MP, process papers, finger printed, asked to write statement and told them the truth coz i got so scared and I am very cooperative w/ them. I was told to wait in mail the court date. Already received civil demand for $200 plus the price item i took. I am barred from PX for six months. Since the incident 2 weeks ago i feel like I am being sentenced already. Please someone could tell me what possible punishment I would get. And what to plead not to go on my record

 

[shrinkmaster]

I am a Retail Theft consultant and answer questions like yours daily. You need to talk to your Attorney about defense and plea options. Be sure to ask about ACD or Diversion as possible option to protect your record

 

[adjusterjack]

Since the incident 2 weeks ago i feel like I am being sentenced already.

You aren't being sentenced because a civil demand is not a criminal penalty. But you are being punished and, once you pay it, it goes nowhere except in the store's record.

I suggest you pay it ASAP without argument.

Please someone could tell me what possible punishment I would get.

If you are a member of the military you could be subject to an Article 15 which would go on your military record but would not follow you into civilian life.

If you are a civilian you might be subject to criminal prosecution, but it isn't very likely once you pay the civil demand.

In the future, please keep all your discussion in this thread and don't start any others. I deleted the duplicate.

 

[Betty3]

Since you are being assigned a court date, I agree with shrinkmaster that I would talk to a lawyer & only to the lawyer.

Also, it would definitely be best that you pay the civil demand.