Going to Court After Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia

I was caught shoplifting at a walmart in GA a few weeks back and have a court date tomorrow. At the walmart, I was taken to their surveillance room and given a citation, summons, and accusation paper. They didn't show me the actual video of me stealing, but I assume they have it on hand.

I called the court office a while later to see if I could pay off my fine, but they said that I was required to show up in court, and the fine is $600.

However, yesterday I was sent a civil claims letter from a law office (hired by walmart), saying I am required to pay $150 to walmart to settle the claim.

I am confused as to what to do at this point. What are the pros/cons of saying guilty or not guilty in court? And why am I paying two separate fines? Obviously I would like to reduce my fines as much as possible.

Thank you, any help appreciated.

Obviously Walmart would like to reduce their losses due to theft, but that doesn't appear to be happening as long as thieves like you think they're entitled to something for nothing.

So why should your fines get reduced?

I am not saying I should forego any punishments, but obviously I committed thievery because I am already in a financially bind. I am 25 and would just like to avoid this going on my permanent record. Any posters out there who could legally help me, I would be very appreciative. Thank you.

The time to worry about having a record is before you commit a crime. And no, people have been known to steal just because, not because they need money, so there's no "obviously" about your motives.

I have very little tolerance for thieves. I have even less tolerance for thieves who are unwilling to take responsibility for their actions.

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Quoting happenstance

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I am confused as to what to do at this point. What are the pros/cons of saying guilty or not guilty in court?

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You should never plead guilty without knowing the potential ramifications. A guilty plea means a permanent criminal record and the judge is free to sentence you up to the maximum punishment allowed by law. If the DA offers you a first offender plea, that might be a good idea. Best bet is plead not guilty and seek representation.

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Quoting happenstance

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And why am I paying two separate fines?

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The one from the lawyers is the civil demand, which is a civil penalty they are allowed under law to charge. The other fine will be a result of the criminal charge. Be glad it is only $600. Where I worked in GA, the judge gave every shoplifter a $1500 fine regardless of their individual circumstances.

Thank you, free9man, I really appreciate your help. I guess I'm confused because the citation I was given while in the back office of walmart is titled, "Uniform traffic citation, summons and accusation," I assume the same sort of citation given for traffic violations. The surveillance officer (who gave me the citation at walmart) could see how much I was freaking out. He told me this wouldn't be put on my record, I just had to go to court and pay the fine, and I was banned from walmart/sams club for 2 years. He also took my picture.

Is what he said true? I am willing to pay any fine, I just don't know what I would do if this goes on my record. Thank you.

You were cited and released, as opposed to being taken to jail. That's a good thing.

I can't speak for your court's processes, it's possible you will automatically be offered first offender. Do not plead guilty without knowing for sure that is going to happen. If you have any doubts, and given that you are concerned about having a record, I would plead not guilty and get a lawyer.