Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: ga

I am an adult that was caught shoplifting last week. It was under 300.00. I really don't know what I was thinking I know better. I am very sorry and not because I got caught either. I think that even if I had gotten away with it my guilt would have overwhelmed me. I wish I had listened to myself and put the stuff back. Before I tried to leave the store I felt so guilty and scared that I wanted to put it back--stupid me thought well if you tried to put it back you would have surely gotten caught then. This is my first offense I have never been in trouble with the law except for the occasional speeding ticket. I was arrested and taken to jail and just the few hours I spent in jail I know I NEVER want to go back not ever. I don't think I would last. Yes what I did was wrong I don't deny that and yes I should be punished. All I can think about is what I would say if my child did this. I am so upset with myself I have never even thought about stealing before. I guess all the pressures of life made me snap--which still isn't an excuse beleive me I know...I am sorry really I am!! I am sorry to everyone in the US that pays their bills and have their own problems and don't steal. It isn't the answer I really have no idea what is wrong with me...My thing is I am sooooo scared. I dont want to go to jail. I haven't gotten a letter to let me know what my court date is. Will I go to jail for my first offense? I have also heard that for first time offenders you can file the first time offense and ger it off your record--is that true? Yes I deserve to be punished but I really don't want my family to suffer for the rest of our lives because I am dead weight and can't get a decent job or a job at all. I really screwed up and wish I had thought of the consequences before I did what I did. I am not a bad person just did a bad thing and was being stupid. I really don't want to pay for the rest of my life....help what can I do? What am I looking at facing? I need some advice. Again I am so sorry to everyone for making things worse in an economy that is already on the brink. I always looked down on people like me so I can understand anyone thinking badly of me...I guess you never know what you are capable of until you are faced with a stiuation. I won't pass judgement anymore.

Okay....

First, you will receive a civil demand letter for several hundred dollars. Pay it. This will be above and beyond what your criminal fines will be.

Second, you will get an attorney. You will ask him/her to get you into some sort of a diversion program for first offenders to keep this off your record.

Third, in court, you will, most likely, be given a stiff fine, probation and community service. The only way to keep this off your record is to follow your probation requirements, including all fines and service, exactly and completely.

Fourth, do your probation.

Fifth, your name will be added to the National Theft Database and this will effectively prevent you from ever working for any retailer.

Thank you for the info. Not that I am not greatful but I don't understand how I can get this off my record when I did do it?! I always thought if you was guilty then it would be on your record--nothing you could do--what is the probability of this really coming off my record? Is there anything I can do about the retail database? Is that permanent? Thank you...

Quote:

---

Quoting ladybug123

---

Thank you for the info. Not that I am not greatful but I don't understand how I can get this off my record when I did do it?! I always thought if you was guilty then it would be on your record--nothing you could do--what is the probability of this really coming off my record? Is there anything I can do about the retail database? Is that permanent? Thank you...

---

A diversion is a program offered to first time offenders only that allows the conviction to be expunged if all probation requirements are fulfilled.

The retail database is maintained by retailers and is not a part of law. While it is not permanent, there is no law that governs when a name can be taken off.... supposedly, your name will stay there for 7 years.

There is NOTHING you can do about being entered in this database. Since 80 percent of theft is committed by employees, retailers have a vested interest in keeping thieves off the payroll.

Thank you...and I can totally understand. How long do you think I will have probabtion? We are planning on moving to MI in about 6 months(maybe longer depends on how long it takes to sell the house--been on the market for awhile)....will I be prevented from going? Do I need to tell someone of our plans--they have been in motion for 4 months now? Can I transfer my probation to another state?