Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Stupid mistake...need help

[happiness_to_zero]

First off, I am 19 years old. I am from Wisconsin and I go to college in a different city than where I am from. I am transferring to a different school next semester in an entirely different city.
On Saturday, I was arrested for shoplifting. I was given a paper from Store Name banning me for a year and paid them a $250 civil restitution charge. I signed another form from the mall, banning me for three years. I had items from two other stores, however all the items together were less than $100 in value. Both the other stores plan to press charges. I was required to give a statement to the police.
I have no prior record at all, not even a speeding ticket. I've been doing my research, and I know I should not plead guilty to three counts of retail theft. However, if I already gave a statement, does that screw me over?
I plan on calling a lawyer in order to talk over my options. I am a good kid, I am in good academic standing and everything. I am very involved in my school life right now, and I have never in my life done something like this. I cannot afford to hire an attorney, so a Public Defender will have to do. I do not want to drag this out to be much longer than it needs to be, though, so I can start over fresh at my new school.
Also, can they force me to stay in the county that I am in for school because of this?

 

[happiness_to_zero]

Pleeeease help me guys...

 

[StoreDetectiveVet]

Don't bring up the meds, ask your lawyer about a diversion program if this is your 1st time in trouble and you might just keep it off your record.
You can leave the county as long as you ocme back for your trial, otherwise, warrant which is no fun.
(ps, remove the stores name from your post, the boss won't like that )

 

[happiness_to_zero]

So they can't make me stick around school here if I've already been accepted and am leaving for sure?

 

[thelawjournal]

If other stores press charges your looking at possible burglary charges which is a felony. Start calling Lawyers today!

 

[happiness_to_zero]

Okay, now I know that that's not true. I've already been charged.

 

[thelawjournal]

If the other stores follow through and press charges it still could be. You need to talk to a Lawyer today!

 

[happiness_to_zero]

The other stores have already pressed charges.
I have an appointment with the campus lawyer tomorrow, as he is only here on Thursdays.

 

[thelawjournal]

I will guess Diversion might be off table with multiple thefts. Write down "everything" you want to know so you can ask this Lawyer. This can will likely impact your furutre in a negative way. Do you know if the charges have all thefts lumped together or if they are seperate charges? this is important as you dont want a second offense to show up which will likey bring jail time

 

[NormanJr]

What was the criminal code you were charged with? How many counts of theft were you charged with?

That will help us answer your questions accurately.

 

[thelawjournal]

If your going to check on answers make sure the person giving advice knw the whole story and what they are talking about. Mr. Knowitall is wise no doubt but the other posters is a reseacher and has no expertise in shoplifting laws. The reason I told you it could be charged as a felony is because there are multiple stores invovled. In some states that takes theft to felonly levels. I will also add that other forum will not edit your post wihich includes the store name. That could easily ID you and your post show up in court. I can name many persons who have been fired, suspended, arrested and the like due to post on that very site. Need to be enlightened PM I will give you more. Your free to post anywhere but your safer here