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My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arizona
I was caught shoplifting food at Walmart, in Flagstaff. It was under a hundred dollars . I hate that I did it but my husband left me and took all the money we had and my daughter ( who was with me I know I know ) was hungry . I was arrested the officer gave me a citation and a court date . Whats going to happen to me? Will they take my daughter away from me ? I can't afford legal defense.
Dept of Children and Families can get involved if the police notify them.
If you could not afford $100, wait til you get the bills for shoplifting. You are facing Court Costs and fines; and the store will be sending you a Civil Demand notice for atleast $250.00. The court may also order you to perform Community Service and/or take an anti-shoplifting class. These will cost you money also.
At your arraignment, plead Not Guilty and ask for a Public Defender. This is NOT free. But pleading guilty is a horrible idea. By pleading not guilty, you ask the state to prove their case; and quite often, the Prosecutor will offer a deal where you plead guilty to a lesser charge (thus, lesser fines).
Advice: Apply for Food Stamps, and other aid you may qualify for. And don't forget there are food banks.