Caught Shoplifting But Live in a Different State

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arizona

I got caught shoplifting a five dollar item stupid I know I have no excuse and just want to resolve this issue. I was detained by security filled out paperwork and a police officer came to do the report. I was not taken jail but was told that I had a court date and that I was banned from all best buys. My biggest concern is I don't have the money for a lawyer and don't have the gas money to come back to Yuma multiply times. The item that I stole was five dollars before taxes I believe. What is my best course of action? Is there any chance best buy will drop the cost since it's a five dollar item? I'm pretty sure they are going to have me pay a resolution fee I believe can't remember exactly what it is called but it's around 250 dollars I believe. I can come up with that amount of money but I can't come up with money for a lawyer and gas to get back to Yuma. I was here for work as a company driver and can barely cover my bills. Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you.

Your kidding right? If you do not show a warrant will likely be issued. Try a bus. Sorry you elected to break the law where it is inconvenient to be caught but you made the bed, now lay in it.

I never said I wouldn't show what I wanted to find out is there a way I could not have to show up like a traffic ticket you fight through the mail or try getting a public defender beforehand to show up for me. What you said does not provide any advice at all it provides common sense knowledge.

They do not give PD's for a basic shoplifting charge, unless it can involve jail time. What were you charged with?

Since it's a basic charge do I go to court and plead guilty or what do I do?

If you were charged with 13-805, you can spend up to 6 months in jail, so a PD will be appointed when you appear, if you meet income guidelines. You can request a PD be appointed before entering a plea and possibly obtain pre-trial diversion.

I was charged with a 13.1805.A1 not sure if that's the same or not.

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Quoting Drew64

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I was charged with a 13.1805.A1 not sure if that's the same or not.

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Yes. The biggest thing will be income qualification. I don't think your out of state residency will affect it.

Okay. I was only able to find a job in the last month so I haven't made thousand dollars this year. How would I go about PD appointed before entering a plea and trying to get a pre trial diversion

According to the Yuma PD's office, when you make your first appearance.

http://www.co.yuma.az.us/index.aspx?page=409

Thank you. I've been reading up on it online and some are saying pleading not guilty is better and some people are saying pleading guilty is better I'm confused on what I should plead now.

If you have a clean record, you should easily qualify for diversion unless AZ law prohibits it being offered to those from out of state. If you cannot get access to a PD referral prior to appearing in front of the judge, motion for appointment of a PD and a continuance. If the judge says you must enter a plea first, plead not guilty and request appointment of a PD.

Okay thanks for all your help.