Shoplifting While On The Job

So i just need some advice and understanding in the situation that arose today. Back in febuary of 2010 i was on the job i install satellites, and i came across a job where i had to cut 2 poles to fit the satellite it was around 6 pm and i had forgot my pole cutter in my other van/company switches vehicles often...so at this point i have a furious customer and no way to cut the poles, i decided to find the nearest town(i was in bfe) finally found a do it best place and proceeded to go in and find a pole cutter. after finding i realize there $12 and i have $8 so i decided to pocket it and return/pay for the item at a later time. a month later this cop from that county and a state trooper roll up on me at work right before im about to leave the shop to start my satellite installs for the day. before he ask me anything i say "i know why your here i have it in my truck i was plannin going back to the store to let them what happened"he replies well its beyond that which i could understand and takes the item and says for me 2 call in a month or 2 to see where im at. so 2 months later i call and they say they have nothing in the system about that and if i havent received a letter yet not to worry about it, so i havent until today when my previous residence receives a court date in a letter...meanwhile i live 2 states away trying to start a new job being i was terminated the same day the cops came to my work. WHAT SHOULD I DO AND WHAT ARE MY POSSIBLE OUTCOMES I INSTALL SATELLITES AND THIS COULD BE MY CARRER FOR THIS STUPID ACT

You should both retain counsel and show up for court. Skipping court will lead to a warrant for failure to appear and will just make your situation worse.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you can ask for a Public Defender at your arraignment.

It ought to be your career. Nobody wants to open their house to an outright thief.

My question is...

If you had the intent to return the item...why did you still have it a MONTH later when the police finally showed up?????????

Borrow = given permission to use anothers item.
THEFT = Took without permission. Did the store give you permission? Obviously not.