I have been caught stealing from the department store where I work and charged for theft <$500. This is my first offence. I was coerced by security to sign a confession. I was intimidated and so scared that he made me say things that were not true and made me admit taking things I did not and made me write it in my own handwriting. Anyway, I was taken to the police station and charged for theft <500 31.03(e)(2)(A) PC MB. I was released with a $500 bond. I have a court date in 10 days.

1. What does this charge mean?
2. My main concern is messing up my clean record, How can I avoid going on record?
3. Can it be done?
4. Do I need a lawyer, what kind?
5. What can a lawyer do for me and how will the lawyer help me?
6. I am willing to do community service and take classes or anything else to avoid conviction.
7. What can I expect : fine, jail, probation?
8. What is meant be probation?
9. How should I plead.
10.Will the department store sue me for the items stolen or damages. For what value.
Please help me with as many answers as you can.
Thank you.

Security coerced you into writing things that weren't true? How did they do that? I'm sorry, I don't believe that. They have more than one incident on tape, I can assure you. They've seen you do this more than once, I can assure you. I think they just made you admit to what you did. And did they make you sign a confession or a promisorrry note? A confession is saying "I did this", a promissory not is saying, "This is how much I stole, and I promise to pay it back."

Also, where do you live. In my state, $250 is a felony. And you bet your behind that's going on your criminal record.

You will need a lawyer, the court might appoint you one. Your lawyer will try to get you the least sentence or punishment that he can since he can't prove you are innocent since you already admitted to it, and they have prove that you did it.