Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Petty Theft from my Retail Job

[CameronS77]

I am 19 years old and live in Nebraska. I recently was employed at at a retail store was had my employment suspended for stealing snack food from my workplace for a total of $19.00. I went into work and was asked to come into an office where the Loss Prevention specialist was. He told me that they had me on video taking the snack food. I fully admitted to taking the food in the instance that they saw, and a few times before so they knew I was being honest. I appologized, and agreed to pay the amount back. After this an officer came in, spoke with me, and gave me a citation of petty theft I believe. He also gave me a court date. At the end the Loss Prevention specialist also told me that I would be receiving something called a civil claim, or something along those lines, directly from the company and that if I didnt pay it they would have debt collectors contact me. I do not have anything on my record so this is my first offense.
The questions I have are, what is the civil claim, and how much should I expect it to be?
Also, what should I expect in court? As of now I am planning on pleading Guilty and being honest with the Judge. I don't know what else to do. Sense it my first offense should I expect probation and a fine?
Thank you for your time.

 

[thelawjournal]

The questions I have are, what is the civil claim, and how much should I expect it to be?

Its state law. Its a civil action (unrelated to court case) to help redeem the cost of security. Yours will depend on total amount LP documented of your theft. Come back with the total amouont you are charged with and I can guess at your Civil Demand

what should I expect in court?

Expect to hear the charges filed against you. You need to strt calling Lawyers many offer free consultations. Ask about Diversion as option. Do not just walk in and plead guilty! Expect probation, up to one year, fines, less than $500.00, ban from store. Therer will likely be other actions but these are norms to go by

 

[CameronS77]

Well the ammount I was charged with when the police officer came in and gave me the citation was about $19.00.
But about getting a lawyer, I am already going to be paying two large fines, would the fees of hiring a lawyer be worth it?
One more question, what would be the difference between pleading Guilty compared to No Contest?
Thank you again,
Cameron

 

[thelawjournal]

The benfit of a Lawyer is what he can do for you vs what you dont know. No contest is alawys best in my view but ask your Attorney. The difference is a no contest plea is not an admission of guilt

 

[CameronS77]

On the Civil Demand, sense $19 was the ammount what can you estemate the amount to be? Is it based only on the amount or also on the amount of time LP says they spent?
And can I plead no contest even though I admited it to the officer, and if I do, can I still tell the judge the truth?
Thanks

 

[thelawjournal]

The Civil Demand estimate (its only a guess based on others) should be around $200.00. Far as the plea issue talk to your Lawyer and when you do ask him about Diversion. Your admission at time of stop will not ocme into play unless theres a trial. By agreeing with DA to a plea deal you avoid trial