Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Help. Shoplifting, first offense.

[Celestina]

I am a 25 year old person that was caught this morning shoplifting at (dept. store). That value was $78. I have never been arrested, or even ticketed by police and have a clean record. The police were called and I was told by the less prevention people that all shoplifters are prosecuted. She told me that I will be mailed a fine and eventually have to go to court. I don't know what to do. I made a dumb mistake that could destroy my future (I'm studying to be a teacher. A misdemeanor charge would result in me never getting hired as an educator ) this deeply saddens me and They informed me that it would be a month before I would even go to the court hearing because of how many people they are prosecuting. Please someone tell me what my options are at this moment. What can I do to avoid a misdemeanor charge? I live in Ohio.


I removed name of store for your protection. Betty3

 

[mightymoose]

You won't be mailed a fine. You will be mailed a demand letter requesting you pay a certain amount. It is not required that you pay until a judge orders you to pay. When you receive the letter take it to a local attorney for some quick advice on how to proceed.
If paying the demand prevents any further criminal action you may want to pay it.
Otherwise, if you still have to appear in court you can work with an attorney to minimize the damage and hopefully have the matter handled as an infraction rather than a misdemeanor.
In short, don't be intimidated by what loss prevention told you. Their only interest is getting you to pay. Obtain your own legal counsel or speak with the public defender for the best outcome.

 

[shrinkmaster]

Before ignoring this fine/demand letter please read this http://www.parentnook.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3934 not paying can be costly in many ways. You cannot avoid the charge but you can plea deal so your record does not reflect a conviction possibly