Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Help!

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Bobb

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I was in store with my 2 daughters shopping. I picked up a pair of socks (5.99) and put them on the stroller canopy while I continued to look around. As I was looking around my baby began to fuss, I pushed back the canopy to look, gave her a snack and then proceeded to continue looking around when I did not find what I was looking for I then exited the store forgetting that the socks were still on the stroller. I went into another store almost next store begin looking around and then was approached by a lady saying she was a LP for a store and that she believes I forgot to pay for something, I was confused and asked what and she said the socks under your canopy. I quickly grabbed them and handed them to her apologizing and saying I would pay for them that I had forgot about placing them there. I then followed her back to the store to pay for them but she asked me into a office and begin to tell me she watched me on camera and believes I intentionally stole the socks, I tried explaining to her what happen but called me a liar, then she calls the cops I talk to him and explain to him what happened and that I was sorry and offered to pay for the item. I had plenty of cash on me my right because she insisted on pressing charges and said I'd be getting a letter in the mail.. My question is what is going to happen when I go to court? (I was never arrested) but will I have a record? Will this effect my husband in any way? What are my options, I don't really have the money for a lawyer?!
 
You really need a lawyer if you have to go to court though you said you were never arrested.* If you can't afford one - when/if you go to court, ask the court if they will appoint one for you.

The letter you receive in the mail will request a civil demand payment - it will be separate from any fine the court might order paid.

Yes, you could have a record such as (depending on the type of store this was) be reported to a theft retail database for member companies.

It shouldn't have any effect on your husband though depending on what kind of effect you mean.

*PS - unless you meant you were never arrested previously
 
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Bobb said:
I was in store with my 2 daughters shopping. I picked up a pair of socks (5.99) and put them on the stroller canopy while I continued to look around. As I was looking around my baby began to fuss, I pushed back the canopy to look, gave her a snack and then proceeded to continue looking around when I did not find what I was looking for I then exited the store forgetting that the socks were still on the stroller. I went into another store almost next store begin looking around and then was approached by a lady saying she was a LP for a store and that she believes I forgot to pay for something, I was confused and asked what and she said the socks under your canopy. I quickly grabbed them and handed them to her apologizing and saying I would pay for them that I had forgot about placing them there. I then followed her back to the store to pay for them but she asked me into a office and begin to tell me she watched me on camera and believes I intentionally stole the socks, I tried explaining to her what happen but called me a liar, then she calls the cops I talk to him and explain to him what happened and that I was sorry and offered to pay for the item. I had plenty of cash on me my right because she insisted on pressing charges and said I'd be getting a letter in the mail.. My question is what is going to happen when I go to court? (I was never arrested) but will I have a record? Will this effect my husband in any way? What are my options, I don't really have the money for a lawyer?!
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Don't ever allow this to happen in the future.
Also, if this ever occurs (being stopped by LP), just shut up.
Give your name, address, date of birth, and shut up.
You'll never TALK yourself out of these situations.
The court room is where this will be settled.
Being accused of committing CRIMES with your babies in your possession can also cause you to have trouble with the child protective authorities in your state.

As was suggested, do as instructed about court, if you were issued a summons for court.

Plead not guilty, admit to nothing, ask for the court to appoint you a lawyer. It'll depend upon your finances, if you get one.

Then see the lawyer, and make no more admissions or statements about what happened.
Stay out of more trouble. Meet and speak with your lawyer.
If convicted, you won't see jail. So relax, be careful, shut up, and work with the lawyer to FIX this.
You don't want this on your record.

If you get convicted or get a fine, relax, the court will allow you to set up a payment plan.

One more time, $6.00 junk, please, be smarter!!!
 
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The decision to let you go or accept payment was not the LP's the store has policies on dealing with theft. Your pleas were a waste of time as the LP was powerless. The letter (as stated) is Civil demand and unrelated to any court fines. If convicted yes you will have a record so its important you talk to a Lawyer and ask about ACD or Diversion as plea options.
 
It is not uncommon for courts to dispose of matters like this in ways that do not result in a criminal record. If you have no priors you likely have nothing to worry about.
From what you say it seems you may not be headed to court anyway.
Expect the demand letter to ask for a few hundred dollars. You can discuss with a local attorney whether you should pay the demand or not. There is no legal obligation for you to pay anything unless a court orders it.
 
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