Arrested for Shoplifting from Work and Fired from My Job

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Wisconsin.

On Saturday, I was called into my boss's office and interrogated by an LP for Kohls stores. I don't have an actual total of how much I took, though I know it was less than $900.00 worth over the course of one month.

I was made to write a letter admitting guilt and explaining why I did what I did, as the LP stated that they tend to go easier on those who are honest with them. I was terminated on the spot, though I don't blame them at all. I also had to sign a promissory note stating I would pay back the monetary value for what I stole.

I was arrested and then booked. My belongings were searched multiple times. I was read my rights and I submitted to questioning. I figured since I already admitted to guilt and had written the letter, why lie to the police?

The next day I returned some of the merchandise I still had, including an opened and used Fitbit.

I was rediagnosed with uterine precancer and my insurance won't cover testing because they are claiming it is an infertility issue. I stole the items to sell and cover treatment costs.

It was not my first time being arrested. That was April of 2014, for a $25.00 item. I had taken pain medication for my back and forgot to pay for a movie. I had it in my hands and then used the restroom and honestly thought I paid, so I left. The judge had me pay a fine and said if it didn't happen again within the course of a year, it wouldn't appear on my record. They mentioned that, if it happened in the future, I could be given a worsened sentence.

I'm just wondering. Is there anything else I should do?

I see my therapist on Friday 12/2. I will be telling her everything and asking for help. I want to fix this problem, not just gloss over it.

My court date is 1/6/17. I spoke with the police again when I handed over the merchandise I still had. I asked them if they thought I would go to jail and they said no. It would probably be a fine or something like that. I broke down crying and asked them if they had any resources for me to fix the problem. They handed me tissues and told me to call one of the social services centers and speak with a counselor so I will be doing that as well.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know I have a problem, and I know that I did wrong. I want to FIX IT. Really. I realize so many people say that, but I am absolutely terrified of what may become of me if I don't. I hate myself enough as it is for what I've done, especially because I cannot think of a legitimate reason why I do it. All I ever come up with is that I let stress build up so much and I use it as a release.

I cannot afford a lawyer, especially since my stupidity cost me my job and I'm scraping by to not lose my car along with it. Do I need one, or would a free initial consultation be sufficient? I know public defenders aren't free, either... but would I benefit from one? If so, how would I obtain the services of one?

Thanks so much.

Lots of people arrested for crimes would like to "fix it." It doesn't work this way. You are right, there is no legitimate reason for what you did. Once the state is informed of the crime, it is out of hands of the victim. It's not the store VS. you in this case. It is the State of Wisconsin vs. you. YOU MOST CERTAINLY NEED AN ATTORNEY. If you are indigent and can qualify for a public defender (or you think you might). The public defender fees are a tiny fraction of what an attorney would cost you directly. They will work out payments for you.

There might have been some options for you if you didn't have a history of larceny. You can expect a letter from the "lawyers" for the store demanding restitution for the expense you cause them. That will be independent of your criminal case.

What do you mean by "fix it"?

By fix it, I mean address the issue and work on it so that it never happens again. Preferably with help of some sort.

Does it matter that it is a municipal court and not a circuit court?

I assumed as much about restitution from the store.

And by "fix it," I mean I truly want to address this problem. As I mentioned I see my psychologist on Friday.. it is my second appointment with her, and I plan on telling her everything. I'm also contacting the office that the Police told me to that offers counseling services. I don't mean fix it by gloss over what happened and have it be done. I understand that there will be consequences I will need to face and that is my own fault.

"I had taken pain medication for my back and forgot to pay for a movie."
" I was rediagnosed with uterine precancer and my insurance won't cover testing because they are claiming it is an infertility issue. I stole the items to sell and cover treatment costs."

These are things you need to be working on with your therapist. Why your medication or your being treated for cancer would seem to you like a good excuse to suspend normal moral behavior and "make yourself feel better" because you have some excuse is classic addictive stinkin' thinkin' and you need to become aware of it and your reasons for using it. And whatever you do, don't bring up things like this in court, because believe me, they have certainly heard it all before related to people who steal.

If you have no other prior record you might ask the prosecutor in your case whether you qualify for any pre-trial diversion program. If you do, that's an excellent deal and you should take it. Do everything required and you end up with no record. You don't need to hire a lawyer if you are offered pretrial diversion unless you are actually innocent, which you are not. You can't get a better deal. Otherwise, yes, you need an attorney to help you with your options. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender. It's not usually free, but the cost is very minimal.