Shoplifting $5 in Tennessee, First Offense

[willm]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Tennessee

I was caught shoplifting $5 worth of merchandise from kroger in memphis, tn. I am 19 years old, it is my first offense. I am a full time student in college and am employed by the college doing work-study. I have a date for processing next week. Then i have a court date the following week. any advice? what is going to happen - fines, etc? also will any paper work be sent in the mail to my house? how necessary is a lawyer? (p.s. i cant afford one)

[Mr. Knowitall]

Check to see if you qualify for a deferral or diversion program, such that you can avoid a criminal conviction. A local criminal defense lawyer can advise you. You can also check to see if there's any helpful information on the court website or county prosecutor's website.

[Ant29]

You should have paid for the item in the first place. No excuses.

[pinky54656]

I don't know if any of the employees who caught you told you whether or not you would get a Civil Demand letter. So, to answer your question about whether or not you will receive anything in the mail is up to the company. Even if you do not have to pay a Civil Demand charge to the company, they will more than likely still send you a letter just to state that you do not owe anything. Since it varies from company to company, I cannnot tell you when you could receive this letter. It is usually a letter sent from the corporate headquarters and usually has the name of the attorney's who represent the company on the letterhead. If you call the store you were caught at they may be able to tell you whether or not a Civil charge is being filed.