Felony Shoplifting in Massachusetts

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Mass

Last October, I was living in MASS due to work. I was away from my children at the time and very depressed. I walked out of a grocery store with a cart full of food and gifts for my kids (over $400), completely lost in my head with my troubles, and was held by the store detective. The police were called and I was released. A few weeks later, I got a notice to appear before the magistrate. I moved back to Florida to be with my kids shortly thereafter and have no reason to return to MASS other than to deal with this mess. I have tried to make the arrangements to return, having to reschedule my magistrate hearing many times, but due to my new job and finances, I do not see how I will be able to make my new, and last date before a complaint is issued against me. I want to call the store, but do not know if that will just cause more problems. I just want to put the problem behind me as I have never been in trouble before. I do not want a felony warrant out for me but I cannot see how I can feasibly get back to MASS. Any suggestions? Is it possible that Florida could extridite me?

Any larceny over $250. in MA is a felony. You need to consult with an attorney in MA. If you ignore this most likely a bench warrant will be issued for you in the State of MA. All it will take is for law enforcement to run a simple check on you to discover it. It may be discovered when an employer runs a background check on you. You need to take care of this...now.

Thanks for the prompt response. I want to take care of this ASAP, but A) I am broke b) there is no way I can get back to MASS (See A).

Will a bench warrant in MASS follow me to Florida? If so, how and could I be extradited?
Can I get some sort of public defender to help me?

A PD can help if you go back to MA, appear in court, plead Not Guilty, and ask for a PD. A PD is not available to you if you do not appear in court.

Extradition is possible, but not likely.

Failure to get this cleared up timely can have long-lasting repercussions for you - as Security Consultant notes, a warrant will likely show up on an employment related background check, putting you and your potential employer in the very awkward position of you needing to explain yourself and the employer needing to tell you "Sorry, you can't work here."

It really is vital that you consult an attorney in MA. You can start by contacting Legal Aid in the county in which you were arrested to get a referral to an attorney who can work with you for a reduced fee. An attorney can often take care of the matter without you needing to appear, but keep in mind that a return to MA may be required if the Magistrate doesn't want to play ball.

Thank you very, very much for the information.