I just got caught shoplifting. Can anyone tell me what could happen now?

Hi, I am a 26 year old mother of 5 young children... I just got caught shoplifting $182 worth of merchandise. Mostly it was garden seeds, and 3 pairs of jeans for my boy.. The only reason I stole was because at this time, we don"t have much money, and I was in need of some things. By the way, I live in Minnesota.
This is my first offense and was wondering what kind of prosecution could happen, and what I could be facing? My court appearance is in 2 weeks, just got caught yesterday, and was wondering if I should get a lawyer, or should I go before the Judge and pay the fine? What kind of fine could there possibly be?

I am married to the father of all 5 of my children... Is there really a possibility that I could go to jail?

The best thing you can do is what you are doing now. I want to compliment you because nowhere in your question did you make excuses or claim to be innocent.

I would be honest and very humble and you'll have to pay a fine but they will set up payment arrangements where you pay little amounts each month.

Also if you have a record of other crimes it won't go good for you but if it is your first crime you'll get a fine.

My advice would be is if there are other things on your record get an attorney but they are going to want money in advance.

If it is the only thing on your record I would tell the Judge you need help with clothing for your children and the Judge most likely will want to change the subject and may be lenient.

Good luck.

Get a lawyer and discuss it with him. If you can't afford one the court will appoint one. Do not discuss anything with the police until you speak to a lawyer.

jail or a fine

I was 16 when I got busted so it was just a $150 lawsuit and that was it, no cops involved. Over 18, The Cops take you to jail

It will be a minimum of $1,000. My friend got caught at Saks and it was this much. It could go on your record, and it could affect future jobs, etc. Do not argue with the fine, pay it and they'll be more likely to not put it on your record, etc. Good luck.

I think you will go to jail. Why were you shoplifting jeans worth lots of money from an obviously expensive store instead of looking at ebay or garage sales or Goodwill? Be smart with your money and you won't need to shoplift. Make use of your food pantry and other things available to you.

Hun you have KIDS why in the heck would you even think of this,,,,and garden seedsss what do u need those for? You could have asked kin folks or even the state to help.. what good is it gonna do ur kids when your sittin in jail , if your lucky they will slap you with probabtion and maybe restatution to the store,,well gl to you

First offense and under $400 (petty theft) is good news. A lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced to an infraction.

Fine would likely be in the several hundred dollar range.

Worst case jail time in these cases is up to 10 days - doubt that a judge would do that to a mother on first offense stealing children's clothes.

A quick consultation with a lawyer would be well worth your while.

Assuming you got nailed with the goods, express genuine remorse instead of trying to justify what you did. I know it is wrong - it will never happen again - I've learned my lesson.

Best of luck.

Lawyer? They will probably assign you one. You committed a felony I believe. Fine and probation is a certainty, Jail time a real possiblity.

YOU ARE GOING TO JAIL!!! PAY the fine!!!!!!! YOU MADE A BAD CHOICE, AND COULD OF ASKED FOR HELP IF YOU NEEDED MONEY! WELL, GOOD LUCK ON YOUR LIFE!

soorryyy about that caps lock

you can go to jail up to 3 years i suggest you get a good lawyer and have confidence good luck : ))

Is it possible to attempt to get the store you shoplifted from to drop the charges? Maybe if you explained your story to them? If not, see if you can speak with the DA or his or hers designee, usually an asst. DA. You may be able to cop a plea with them before seeing the judge.

5 young kids,,,,,and 26!!!!!!!!!,,,,,married? same father to kids? wait I'm not the judge,,,,you better hope you get a kind judge--- but most likely probation,,comuitty service,,,,and a fine,,,,,OR HARD TIME AND HAVE YOUR KIDS TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,throw yourself on the mercy of the court,,,,and sin no more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if they don't file charges then play it cool

It's too bad they don't still cut off the thief's hand. Plead poverty for the jeans and stupidity for the seeds, then beg for leniency. Don't forget to grovel. It looks like petty theft. Find out from the police what usually happens to someone in your situation. Maybe you can get it handled without a lawyer. It is worth checking out. You can postpone the court appearance and delay this thing for awhile so you can think clearly. Take your time.

When under $500 dollars its consider a misdemeanor offensive. The charges may be drop since this is your first offensive.You may receive probation or community service and fines. Yes you should get a lawyer, However if you can't afford one tell the judge in one can be appoint if you meet the income standard.

Well if your lucky and the owner drops the charges after they hear your story you can get a small fine, court costs, and probation with community service. AND try not to it again. BEcasuse next time it might go worse. But just hope they will go soft on you this time. because depending on the judge also if you get off easy or not