Detained at Wal-mart for shoplifting.
First off, I have never been arrested nor convicted of any crime except a couple of traffic tickets. I went into the store with no intention of shoplifting, however for the past few months I have been losing about 10-16 hours of work per week making it very stressful on myself and family with some depression insuing also. Anyway, I shopped for the things I needed and put those in the cart, then I went to electronics (bad idea no doubt) to look for a DVD for my wife for Mothers Day. Well, while looking I saw some other items that I would like to get for her, but could not really afford them. I could have paid for them, however on an impulse I decided to take them instead. I am 47 and have never thought seriously about doing something like this before. Anyway, I removed the items from there packaging after leaving electronics with them under my jacket. I took $343 worth of goods, the whole time obviously being watched more by store employees I believe rather than their cameras. As I purchased my items through checkout and headed for the door feeling strange about the whole thing. Well, as I stepped outside the door I was surrounded by whom I assumed to be employees, confronted by a young guy that looked more like a stock boy than an LP person. He stated why he stopped me, however he never once showed an ID. I considered for a moment to just walk past him or through him for blocking my way, however I am sure someone would have gotten hurt, including myself. He asked if I would go back into the store to discuss this with him... and after a few moments, and knowing I was in the wrong, I followed him back inside the store with about 3 more in tow behind me. I was asked to place items on a desk, which I did. Two deputy sheriff's came and wrote me a ticket for Misdemeanor Larceny with a court date. They asked me quite a few questions which of some I answered and most I did not. I was not typically arrested, however when being detained, I feel it was the same thing, just without the cuffs. Those were my options, place everything on the desk or go to jail. Again, they were justified in all they did and said. Seems to me though, that I should have been searched outside for items prior to going back inside. The only item they found the box to was a small mp3 player. My court date is in a little over a month and I think I should seek a lawyer over this. Strange thing is that just 10 days prior to this I had received a speeding ticket that I have to go to court with in the same month. 30 years since a traffic violation. Now this. I live in NC, and searching the internet, I have found that they changed the laws governing this offense in December 2007. Does anyone have any suggestions concerning this? I have never felt so humiliated in my life, not because I was caught, but more so because I Know Better! I work in the medical field and was wearing all my identification an everything... just depressed and impulsive and of course pretty darn stupid at that time. Now, I can't sleep for worrying about this. Haven't told the wife. Might definitely have to contact a lawyer for the big D because we have been married less than six months and are having our share of problems. I would welcome anyone's thoughts on this without being judgemental... I have already covered this on my own. I have considered taking courses online through the NASP ( National Association Shoplifting Prevention). I believe this is the non-profit org. that offers tests and other assistance to help you determine WHY you did it in the first place. Awaiting your FEEDBACK... Embarrassed and ashamed in NC.