Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft HELP Scared to death!

[mjlr50]

So I am in Walmart tonight with my husband who is in the TLE dealng with a bad battery. I picked up 3 items and placed in my reusable bag as the candle (one of the items was bouncing in the cart) I didn't want it to break.
It was my intention to pay for item at the counter at the TLE, however my husband asked me to come outside the garage and see what he was talking to me about (the battery problem) I followed him out the door to the garage are not outside the store and a security guard grabed me and said I was shoplifting. I showed tham that I had pleanty of money $132.00 & $150.00 in gift cards) to pay for the items but he would not listen or allow me to pay! he had me sign a piece of paper telling me I could never come into walmart again. And called the police, they put me in hand cuffs and took me to the station, finger printed me, took my picture and had me post bail. I am still shaking. Now heres the kicked years ago, I got tangled up in a mess with my ex husband, I was to appear in court and didn't. (15 years ago to be exact) the office tonight tells me that they will check my background and find everything on me....I am afrade that I will be in more trouble, my current husband says that they shouldn't run national check The other offense took place in Michigan) on such a minor offense but I am scared and do not know what to do HELP!

 

[jacksgal]

You talk to a Lawyer then you and this lawyer can plan for any possible outcome

 

[jacksgal]

So I am in Walmart tonight with my husband who is in the TLE dealng with a bad battery. I picked up 3 items and placed in my reusable bag as the candle (one of the items was bouncing in the cart) I didn't want it to break.
It was my intention to pay for item at the counter at the TLE, however my husband asked me to come outside the garage and see what he was talking to me about (the battery problem) I followed him out the door to the garage are not outside the store and a security guard grabed me and said I was shoplifting. I showed tham that I had pleanty of money $132.00 & $150.00 in gift cards) to pay for the items but he would not listen or allow me to pay! he had me sign a piece of paper telling me I could never come into walmart again. And called the police, they put me in hand cuffs and took me to the station, finger printed me, took my picture and had me post bail. I am still shaking. Now heres the kicked years ago, I got tangled up in a mess with my ex husband, I was to appear in court and didn't. (15 years ago to be exact) the office tonight tells me that they will check my background and find everything on me....I am afrade that I will be in more trouble, my current husband says that they shouldn't run national check The other offense took place in Michigan) on such a minor offense but I am scared and do not know what to do HELP!

Here is a portion of Tn laws on shoplifting:

39-14-146. Theft of property - Conduct involving merchandise

(a) For purposes of § 39-14-103, a person commits theft of property if such person, with the intent to deprive a merchant of the stated price of merchandise, knowingly commits any of the following acts:

(1) Conceals the merchandise;

(2) Removes, takes possession of, or causes the removal of merchandise;

 

[mightymoose]

Try not to worry about this too much.
In order to convict you for theft it must be shown that you had intent to steal. As you describe the circumstances it is very possible that charges will not even be filed. The arrest itself does not mean anything.
Personally, if things are as you say, I am surprised that the police officer even arrested you. You could have simply be given a citation.
The worst thing you did in all of this was sign their silly papers. You were obligated to do NOTHING and should have done NOTHING.

Anyway, it is probably unlikely that you will face any criminal action, but you can expect harassing demands from the store to pay ridiculous amounts of money to make up for their own incompetence. Don't be bullied be their demands.