Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Please Help Me

[tinkerbell223]

Hi! Myself and a friend went to walmart. I had my child and was shopping while on the other hand my friend was placing items in the diperbag. I am unemployed and only a small amount of money. I am to blame when it came to the baby food because I did not have enough money to buy the can, but the rest of the stuff was not mine. I did not place anything in the bag except for the milk and that was it. I went to check out and paid for the other items, but while walking to the door there was a man who stoped use and made use go into the office. The man stated that he seen my placing the clothing items in the bag and my friend placed items in the pants. My problem is that I did not put anything other the milk in the bag and walked away, the police came and we have a court date and we were told we were ban for life. First can they ban you for life? and secound I have never been in trouble with the law not even a speeding ticket what will happen to me? or what could happen to me?

 

[jacksgal]

Whatr could happen? Jail for one thing. Your also lucky if they do not call children's services since you had a child with you. You need to talk to a Lawyer and right away a criminal conviction can keep you from many jobs. Your also looking a both criminal and civil fines. It might even be a felony charge dependeing on value of items you two took. by the way it snot yours and hers the total goes on you both you worked together. doesnt mattter what you wanted. You need to talk to a Lawyer seriously. You can also visit the site linked in my signature line. Its a forum (like this one) but deals with retail theft issues. There are experts there you can advise you

 

[fredrikklaw]

Petty Theft!

It sounds like Wal-Mart too has started a "cite and release" policy for its stores which is good news for all concerned; you, the police, the courts, and the taxpayer, by way of which you bypassed all the nastiness of going to jail and putting on an orange jumpsuit for taking a pint of milk and some diapers.

First of all, relax; nothing terrible is going to happen to you or could happen to you and you are not going to experience a second of jail time, and, you certainly are not about to receive a felony count on your record since you kept the total amount of your shopping indiscretion under $400.

What you were cited for is a misdemeanor petty theft for which it is always good to plead No Contest instead of guilty, for which you are going to be given a low octane, don't-break-any-laws, 3-year summary probation, a fine, and an order of restitution to Wal-Mart in such and such amount and then you are out of there. And of course, you will be banned from that particular Wal-Mart for life and you will have to find another Wal-Mart to frequent.

By the way, I did not mean to make light of the act and remember that you will not get off this easy the next time and you may well see jail time and have a felony record for life; just try getting on food stamp or welfare with such a blotch on your resume.

fredrikklaw