Retail, Theft 2, Macy's

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Oregon

I was brainless enough to resort to Shop Lifting in a big name store which I regret and am remorseful of doing :wallbang:I was taken "Down town" for "photo and finger prints" because I just moved to Oregon from California. The LP said that I wouldn't have gone if I had I.D. now I have a court date that is on Wednesday the 1st of April. They said I stole $348 worth of things but I really don't think I did. When I asked the LP why it was so much and she said "They have to pay us some how right?" I stole 3 shirts! When the Officer arrived he hand cuffed me and seated me in a patrol car. Off to the station I went. While being processed I noticed the officer glancing every so often to see if I was crying... I figure jail should be the last place to show emotion right? Well the Officer left and the photo and fingerprinting processing began.

My question: Is $348 o f merchandise enough to go to jail even if I plead guilty, if not what are the other options? I thought you had to steal over $500 to get arrested and put in jail. I have a 19 month old daughter and a family to support. I know I should have been so stupid but I can tell you I will never EVER do it again.

Someone please help me, I'm loosing my mind!

Speak to a lawyer or a legal aid,it's best to plead not guilty and follow the lawyer advice.If you break any criminal law you can get arrested maybe 500 dollar mark makes it a felony.Since it's your 1st time most likely you can get probation instead of jail. You can ask the lawyer about the value of the shirts or if you qualify for a diversion program.

hey savagedesire,
I have a quick question..did your retail theft appear in the local news paper ? because i was caught at JCPENNY for retail theft for 116 $ not worth it at all. But now i am dying with fear that my name and address might appear in the news paper. Please help me.

your full name will because all police reports are public knowledge, however, nothing more than the town you live in will be posted (in terms of your address)