I was caught shoplifting and had 8.75 worth of merchandise.I have never been in any trouble before.I was arrested and told the truth to the officer that arrested me I was in jail for only a few hours and then was bonded out.I go to court soon and I am wondering what will happen.Will I have shoplifting on my record or where it was a small amount would it be able for me to be on probation and pay fines and not have the charge.

I bet you had the $8.75 in your pocket to pay for the merchandise too...

Is this the first time you have shoplifted? If not please seek help, the shoplfting may be an addiction

Hello s:

If you're convicted, and you will be because you snitched on yourself, you WILL have a record.

excon

I bet you had the $8.75 in your pocket to pay for the merchandise too......

Is this the first time you have shoplifted?? If not please seek help, the shoplfting may be an addiction



This is not legal advice and this is a legal board -

My guess? OP will get a lecture, ordered to pay restitution, allowed to walk on this particular charge.

Of ourse this type of thing varies from state to state. In my state, they have something called "probation before judgement" that would definitely be applied to a first-time shoplifter when a small amount is involved. In a PBJ case, the person pleads guilty and is placed on probation. If the probation is completed successfully, no conviction is entered.

Other states have similar programs with different names and conditions. I hope they have something like that where you are.