Shoplifted and Ran, But Got Arrested

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Oregon

So the other day I stole a less than $10 item from walmart ($9.95 or something), got confronted at the store exit and ran, lp grabbed my shirt and I pushed him away and ran across the lot and ditched the property. I went back a different way and hit behind some bushes for twenty minutes till some police officers found me, due to the advice of some random citizen. They handcuffed me and then released me after I signed a paper from walmart and was given a Misdemeanor Theft III. It said the fine was $1000? Seems a little high and was wondering if I reached a civil restitution with walmart and they contact the pd, could the charges be dropped? By the way I am a minor (17) and have no previous criminal record. What would be the best bet in getting charges dropped/dismissed or having the fine greatly reduced?

The fact that you pushed the LP Guy and ran.....that is not going to look good. You could have faced an Assault charge as well.

Since police were involved, and you also pushed the LP....the chance of charges being dropped are zip, zero, zilch.

You will want to have your parents consult with a Criminal Defense Lawyer.

A Civil Demand letter will be arriving. Pay, or your parents credit history is screwed, and they can also be sued in court and end up with a more expensive fine (including the costs to file the civil lawsuit, legal fees, etc).

Additionally, you will have court costs and fines through the court (expect atleast $300 here). And fees for either a lawyer, or a public defender (another $200+).

Ask yourself now if shoplifting is worth it.......