Options After Accidentally Taking an Unpurchased Item Past the Point of Sale

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Mississippi

Dear Expert Law:
I am a 44 year old woman living with my disabled father who is a complete idiot. I have a horrible habit of placing things under my arm, realizing it then turning around back to the counter and paying for it. Well yesterday, I did the same exact thing..but when I moved my arm the little box fell right into my purse and the alarm goes off. Of course I look guilty already, then I rush to put it back on the shelf and am followed by a clerk who accused me of shoplifting. I cannot prove I didn't do it, because the property was in my possession and it looked as though it was being concealed. So for all fairness, I looked guilty. If I had seen someone doing what I had done, then I would have thought I was guilty too. I tried to explain to the clerk it was not my intention to walk out the door because everything is tagged in that store and if you so much as attempt to go near the door with one of those tags...the alarm goes off. I know how it looks, I know how it looked to her..so I do not blame the clerk for what she did. I was not arrested, everything was handled in the store. My question is should I get a lawyer or just plead guilty? Or no contest? Am I a candidate for pretrial diversion? I truly have no idea what my options are. I'm not contesting it per say, nor admitting to guilt..but I cannot prove otherwise. I feel very stupid and foolish, I am forgetful and have done this several times...pop a magazine under my arm and totally forget about it till I get to the door. The item which I was accused of stealing is valued under 20 dollars, so I'm still not even clear what I was charged with...a misdemeanor? Or felony? I would appreciate any advice you could give me. Thank you.

Likely a misdemeanor.

You are advised to retain or atleast consult with a Criminal Defense attorney and ask about a Diversion or First time offenders program.

You can expect court costs, fines, community service is possible.

In the future, do yourself a *huge* favor - get a shopping cart for all your purchases.

The little box did not change its geographical location from being on its way out the door. It simply became revealed as you moved your purse and it fell from its concealed position under your arm.