Caught Shoplifting at a Wal-Mart in North Carolina

A week ago, I was caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart. I had worked there several years ago and they knew my name and everything. I had 6 shirts. I had put 3 shirts into the inner pocket of my jacket and I started feeling guilty. I put the other 3 back. I started to take out the ones in my jacket, and I noticed people that worked there were watching me. I walked around the store and they kept following and watching. I knew that I was going to get in trouble if I took them out or if I left them in. I did not know what to do. I got scared and went out the door after staying in there about 15 minutes trying to figure out what to do. In the parking lot, 2 men came and grabbed me. They asked what was in my coat. I told them and tried to give them back. They told me to come inside the store and I said o.k. My husband was in the car with our 2 and 1/2 month old daughter. I had only gone in to drop off pictures and I knew he would worry if I did not come out soon. He was parked 2 cars away. I tried to signal him. The loss prevention started yelling and making a scene about me trying to run. They started pushing me and yanking me and threatening to drag me inside the store if I did not stop trying to get away. I had not moved from where they stopped me when I first came out. I was just waving my hands trying to get my husband's attention. I told them I was just trying to let him see me so he would know what was going on and I told them that I was not trying to get away. They knew who I was already. I am not stupid enough to run. My husband finally saw me and got out of the car and got the baby. When they walked me back inside the store, they were nice until they got me into a little room. They started pushing me around and cussing me again. I asked if my husband could come in there and they finally let him after they were done being mean. They added up how much the shirts costs and it was $22. They called the police. They arrested me. I was booked and fingerprinted. I did not have to sign anything at Wal-mart, but they said that I could not come back for a year and neither could my husband, just because he was associated with me. I have a court date next month. I am terrified. I know what I did was wrong. I knew it then. I feel that it was more personal than anything. When I worked there, I was sexually harassed by 2 people, both caught on tape. One of them was a manager and the other a member of the floor crew. The tapes "disappeared" and no one remembered me ever saying anything to them about what happened. I talked to at least 4 people. After that I quit.
I know that everyone says that they are sorry, but I truly am and I was then. I have 3 children and I do not have the money to get a lawyer.
Should I just go to court and plead guilty and ask that I do not get jail time? I know Wal-mart is going to try to tear me apart out of simple dislike.
What is going to happen to me? I have 3 kids and a husband to take care of.
They got me for concealment and misdemeanor larceny. What is going to happen? Even with the toughest judge?

SCARED IN N.C.

You should consult with a criminal defense Attorney and discuss your options including possible diversion

Not to sound completely ignorant, but what is diversion? I know that I deserve to be punished and I will do community service and pay fines and that type of thing, but I do not want jail time . I have a family to take care of. I was stupid and I admit that, but I was immediately sorry and wanted to put them back. I was scared and just made a really bad call by leaving. Sorry to babble.
Do you think that this diversion thing is the best option?

Jail is very unlikely. Diversion programs vary but for most part that act like a conviction but once you complete program no conviction appears on your record

How much do those diversion programs usually cost?
You really think that jail is unlikely? I have heard horror stories even for someone's first offense.
We have really tough judges down here.

What is the worst case scenario in your opinion?

I also heard that you will get a letter in the mail from Wal-mart wanting money too. Do you think that is true?

Sorry to bother you.

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Quoting TRE terrified

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How much do those diversion programs usually cost? Cost and programs vary ask your Attorney
You really think that jail is unlikely? I have heard horror stories even for someone's first offense.Don't listen to gossip. jail is possible but very unlikely
We have really tough judges down here.So

What is the worst case scenario in your opinion?Jail

I also heard that you will get a letter in the mail from Wal-mart wanting money too. Do you think that is true?

Sorry to bother you.

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Yes its called Civil Demand is money you will owe and is outside of court fines.

I have a question. Do you think I could go to court and just plead guilty and beg for leniency from the court? Or would I be hurting myself? I thought that if I was just honest, maybe they would go easier.

If you want a criminal record, that's a sure way to get one.

I just thought that if I had a good attitude and was honest, that they may look upon me better.
I went to court several years ago with a friend and that is how it seemed.
I guess that I will not go with my idea.....

Consult a lawyer, and decide what to do based upon your consultation with the lawyer.