Caught Shoplifting After Being Given a Prior Break by the Same Store

Before I fill everybody in, please refrain from the lectures and what-not. I know it was extremely wrong and I feel awful about the whole situation already, and I understand my actions are leading to consequences and that I had all the control and I screwed up. But thank you for anybody who takes the time to read and comment about my situation!

First off, I'm 20 years old. I turn 21 this Sunday and I live in Massachusetts. So last night I was caught shoplifting at WalMart. The total value of the good was around $15 and they stopped me after I had walked out the door (a "secret-shopper" or "undercover-shopper"). They took me to the back of the store and I had to return the items and fill out a few forms, they took photos of the merchandise and they took my photo.

I'm sorry to tell everybody this, but this was the second time I was caught stealing from the store:wallbang:

The first time I was caught, no charges were pressed, no repercussions were taken against me, basically just a "warning" but obviously the information and the incident was still on file. No photos, no police, nothing the first incident. Back to last night. Photos were taken, I had to sign a forma saying I agreed to be banned from all WalMart locations, and the police were called. When the officer arrived, he took me outside to talk. He didn't arrest me (though it could still be getting called arrested, I'm not sure..) but he took my information down and said I would have to go to court and would receive my summons in the mail. I'll be honest, it's not something I do all the time, even though I have gotten caught before, it is not a lifestyle of mine and I am not a regular klepto. I am in no way looking for an excuse, so please don't take it like that, but I recently have been dealing with a death in my family and my head is nowhere near where it should be.

What happens now?

I expect to have to pay a fine, but what should I expect from court? What am I look at for jail? Community service? Will this go on my record and stop me from getting jobs in the future? Am I going to be stopped from leaving the country? Not to run away haha, but I have a cruise booked for July. Are there any chances of getting the charges dropped and keeping this off my record and having to just pay a fine?

The sad part is, my mother works at this WalMart as a second job, so she's close to the manager. She was obviously extremely disappointed, but in the end she understood that I had made a mistake and as she put it "you didn't murder anyone", but obviously it's still a big issue. Is there anything she could possibly do to get my punishment lessened or dropped to avoid further issues? I know it's wrong, but I'll admit, if I can be saved I would appreciate it and still learn from my mistake. Thanks for listening (reading) guys!

Jail? Not likely. Community service? Yup. Fines? Yup. Probation? Yup Record? Yup unless you can get diversion. Affect job chances? Yup. Stop you from taking your cruise? Nah. Getting it dropped entirely? Nope. Keeping it off your record? Maybe if you can get diversion. Just have to pay a fine? Nope.

Anything moms can do? Nope. It's out of Wal-Mart's hands now. You've been caught shoplifting there 2 times and done it more than that. You need a harder lesson cause you haven't learned a damn thing. And don't go to any Wal-Marts. That'll get you pinched for trespassing. Do you realize the position you are putting your mother in? You are making her look bad, and possible untrustworthy.

Hope for a diversion program because otherwise - that record is gonna make job hunting extremely difficult. You won't be working retail. You might be lucky and get to say "Want fries with that?".

A record can also affect getting an apartment. Yep, many will not accept a renter who has been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude.

As police came, technically you were arrested and released. Expect the court to order fingerprints and mugshot, along with the court costs and fines. Possibly community service and an anti-shoplifting class (which you get the pleasure of paying for).

There will be a Civil Demand letter from the store asking for money. Pay it.

You will need a lawyer to try for a diversion program.

If your cruise ticket is refundable, it's a good idea to get the money back because shoplifting is gonna cost you a few thousand dollars.

Not only is there nothing Mom can do, but if Walmart wanted to fire Mom because her son/daughter got caught shoplifting there not only once but twice, they can do so and there is nothing in employment law that will stop them.

Oh...and since you can afford a cruise, you will not qualify for a Public Defender.

While I appreciate your reply, there's really no reason to automatically assume you know the details of every point I made. The cruise was a gift from my fiance, so no, I actually can't afford to pay for entire cruise myself. Again, thanks for the reply though.

What part of making the same mistake twice leads you to believe you're deserving of any sort of a break?

At least mom lightened your load a bit by the "....at least it ain't murder...." coddling. Moms are sorta sweet that way.

You may wanna consider dropping the arrogant attitude though. It comes across loud and clear and I'm pretty sure you won't be able to mask that for the judge.

Fact remains....you are going on a cruise, which is a luxury.

The ap for a Public Defender will ask about assets....and that cruise, no matter who paid for it, is an asset. You will need to hire a private attorney.