I Was Charged with Theft and Play Guilty by My Lawyer Advice

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado Ok I used to work for Kmart and on monday they call me from the office and started asking questions, about school, job, address etc. ok they said i stole a cake, deodorant a few cameras and makeup... I explain I thought the cake was put in there to every one to eat I opened it and left it in there, the deodorant I was going to pay and someone remove it from the place I left it, and it was o horrible mistake, they said from the beggining they been fallowing every step, every move, and just waiting, they ask me to put on paper what happen to the all the stuff, I described saying exactly what happen these wanted me to sign about the cameras and makeup and I refused I told him I felt very Intimidated by the way he was treating me well they call the police and they went to the other office I heard when the police officer said its only 13 dollars let her pay and the security guy said no I want her gone... ok they send me to jail I felt very bad, got there stayed for 14 hrs, I got court and didnt know what to plea judge send me lawyer and then she said the judge made an offer 1 yr probation 24 hrs community service and shoplifting course and total of 140.00 dls or up to 1yr jail and or 1000.00 so I signed but I feel its not fair.

It's fair. Shoplifting costs retailers billions of dollars per year. Much of that gets passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices. And of course, we consumers get to contribute to the cost of those security cameras, LP, etc.

Here's some good, practical advice:
(1) Even if it is in the break room, wait until a manager has opened it before you eat any of it. Fact is, you opened it and ate some, making it unsaleable.

(2) I guess you were off to work when you realized you ran out of deodorant and makeup. So...PURCHASE it first, then use it, place it in your locker with the receipts stapled to the bag. And be sure to do it off the clock.

(3) Define a few cameras....disposables? More expensive?

Oh...you will likely also get a letter from KMart's lawyers wanting some money also. Pay that.

People who steal lie all the time,not saying that you do but it's hard to tell if your being 100 percent trustful. It's sucks but what is considered a crime and leaves a person with a conviction is not always fair. It seems like the lp pressured you over a misunderstanding and sitting 14 hrs in a cell over is overkill. Then your put in front of the judge,thinking wtf. I'm sorry you were rush to make a decision so quickly. If the da could prove that your were guilty ( by written law,then the plea offered sounds reasonable. Keep in mind the other part was the max and 1st time offender are rarely given that.

When faced with a criminal charge,imo it's best to have a good private lawyer and to discuss with them all your concerns and then follow their advice. Even if it's cost money in the long term it's worth it.