I'm a 18 year old female, & A few days ago, I was caught shoplifting $30 worth of merchandise (3 necklaces) in a Maryland Kmart, Anne Arundel County. The security took me into a room in the back of the store, took my information back, & said I had to pay them back twice the amount, so does that mean I will get that paper in the mail? Then, the police came, & they let me go home. They searched my bag, found nothing else, took my outside, told me how if it happened again I was going to jail. He gave me a citation stating what I had done, & I was being charged with shoplifting, & now I'm waiting for my court date. What should I expect in court? Can I request community service hours, probation? Someone please help me! By the way, this was my first offense ever, I've had a clean record, never been in trouble with the law.

I would think you'll get a fine, some sort of stern warning, possibly probation, banned from the store for at least a year.

And KMart (if it chooses) will send you a bill for their "time and effort" in apprehending you.

I would be VERY contrite in Court.

You were probably charged with pettit theft (under $100). You will be asked to make restitution to the store, and probably be placed on probation. You will then also pay for the court costs, and the cost of probation. This is a misdemeanor charge, not a felony, so don't be too nervous. However, that being said, there is nothing in a store worth your freedom. Please keep that in mind. Good luck, and God Bless.

A misdemeanor is nothing to "sneeze" at. It will go on your permanent record. I would be VERY contrite (as I said) and attempt to get some sort of adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, community service, something along those lines.

In my area K-Mart is TOUGH on shoplifters.

You were probably charged with pettit theft (under $100)..

Can you cite Maryland law that refers to this as pettit theft?

You are new here having just joined today. But you have been very busy posting more than 45 responses. However, it does not appear like you tried to understand how things work here.

First, you need to check the dates before responding. If a thread hasn't had a response for several months, then please don't revive it.

Second, we pride ourselves on the quality and accuracy of advice given here. Especially in the legal (and other technical) forums were an even hhigher standard is maintained. Answers here need to conform to statutory law and you need to be able to back up your answers with cites.

It is nice that you want to help and any help is welcome here. But you need to pick what you respond to more carefully. Make sure your response is correct and accurate before posting.