Dealing With Retail Fraud In The 3rd And Getting Caught

My question involves criminal law for the state of: michigan

i went to the store last night and got a couple of things and then proceeded to go over and get some of my pics that i have developed at meijer. well the thing is that i didnt pay for all my pics and tried taking them. which didnt come to a huge amount. it was like $40.00. so i got retail fraud and i had the cops come to the store and take me, but i didnt go to jail though. they took all my information and finger prints and everything like that. i dont know why i did it i just did. it is retail fraud in the 3rd degree.

i just want to know what is going to happen. i dont want to go to jail. should i talk to a lawyer or just go to court myself and plead guilty. i dont know what to do. i have never done anything like this before. would i just have to pay for some fines and things like that? i have no back history or any kind. this is my first time. and another thing i was in the store a few days before that and they told me that i tried taking a digital camera. i never took it.

i returned it cause i didnt have the money to pay for it. i just really dont know what to do. i am so scared that i am going to have to go to jail or something and i am a fulltime worker and i have a daughter to take care of. please help me and make things more clear to me. i am so scared. and also if and any how long would something like that be on my record? i am so confused about everything. i have my court date next friday. please please please help me i dont know what to do. i am told by the LP not to come back into the store which is fine with me, but i just dont know what else is going to happen. please help. scared and confused PLEASE HELP
thanks

You are facing criminal charges and a criminal record yes you need an Attorney

yeah but i didnt really take anything but some pics though. would i just have to pay some fines??? i just dont know about any of this kindof of stuff. i am not sure if i can even pay for a lawyer. i dont know what to do and i am really scared? would i have to go t jail or anything like that or just do some cummunity service? i dont have anything elseon my record. help.

If you cannot afford an Attorney request a Public Defender

but why would i face criminal charges for?? would i just pay for fines and probation. or go to jail? plus i called the court and they said that i wouldnt need an attorney only if i plead not guilty. what will happen if i plead guilty?? i just dont know about any of this stuff and i would like some more info about it. and they are getting me for something else that i didnt take. what can i do about that? please help me.
thanks

Do as you wish but going without an Attorney is really dumb. I will use my good friend Cyjeff's line. "Your taking a knife to gun fight"

its not like i dont want to get someone to help me its just that i dont have the money to do it. would it be bad if i would just plead guilty??? then trying to get a lesser thing on my record?? the only thing that i am worried about is it going on my record cause i have never done anything before. i mean i will pay whatever i have to pay. i just dont want it to go on my record. is there a lesser sentence with fraud, so it wont look that bad if i have to get something. if i have too them how long does something like that stay on your record?? and if i get a lesser sentence or whatever would that be better to do? i just dunno. im confused still about things. what can i do to have it stay off my record???

As stated it is not very wise to go it alone but its your call

can i get them to give me a lesser charge so that it wont show up on my record?? and how long does it stay on there for? i will pay all the fines and everything that i have to i just dont want it on my record thats all.

You can try to plea bargain without a lawyer. You talk to the prosecutor and see what deal is offered.

A lawyer can help inform you of your most likely disposition, as well as any diversion or deferment options available to you that may allow you to avoid a criminal record.

If you plead guilty to a crime, you should expect that you will have a criminal record for the rest of your life.