Caught Stealing Undergarments

A few days ago, I was caught shoplifting at a Kohls in Indiana. I took one bra and one pair of undewear. The total was $28. The cop that caught me and was taking care of me went on to explain everything that would be happening to me, but i still don't really understand everything that is going to happen. I am 20 years old, and I was not arrested. I have no criminal record. He told me that i would be receiving a letter in the mail, stating the charges and damages that would be held against me. He said i would have to go to court and that in the end it will probably cost me 850 to 900 dollars. I don't understand what that money is for. And he also said that it would be highly unlikely that i would go to jail. but mentioned probation, and house arrest. I am so clueless about all this stuff. Would they really put me on house arrest for what i did? I have no previous criminal record, i made a mistake and wasn't thinking. will they have ANY sympathy towards me?

Don't expect much sympathy, save perhaps from your closest friends and family.

The $850 - $900 is probably his estimate of your fines and court assessments associated with a criminal conviction.

and what "sympathy" did you show the store? What "sympathy" did you show us who pay the higher prices due to thieves like yourself? The fines and penalities are minimal. House arrest is possible but not likley. Jail for first timers are very rare and moslty when dollar value is high yours is not. You might want to ask about diversion programs if your state offers them this can avoid a conviction on your record. You might also be banned from store and/or Mallalong with community service. Did anyone mention Civil Demand? This is monies you will owe outside of court.

Well i'm really not expecting any sympathy at all. Maybe i used a poor choice of word. I made a mistake. this i realize. I am not perfect. nor is anyone else. In all honesty im glad that i got caught. Because if i hadn't of then who knows what it would have led to. I have learned my lesson, trust me. I feel awful for what i did, and will never do it again. I'm not asking for people to feel sorry for me, they shouldn't.... I did something wrong. I am just trying to understand what im going to have to do now to fix what i did wrong.

also...what is a diversion program? i am completely clueless about all of this.

Ask your attorney about this and/or DA diversion programs vary

Where available and where you qualify, a diversion program permits you to perform a period of what amounts to probation in advance of the completion of the criminal case and, if you successfully fulfull the terms and conditions of that probation, the charge is dismissed. The details and requirements can vary significantly between jurisdictions.

Do i have to have an attorney? Can't I just go to court myself and claim what i did?

Of course you can but without knowledge of all your options you might not get best deal.

"Do i have to have an attorney? Can't I just go to court myself and claim what i did?"

An old saying, "A lawyer who defends himself has a fool for a client".....best to get professional advice.