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I don't know. You listed 2 states and the laws regarding this are state specific.
Misdemeanor charge/arrest is from NH in 2003. This Walmart incident occurred in State of MA. Can the NH conviction be used against me even though it occurred in another state?

Quote Quoting jk
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I will say this: most states do not require the thief to actually make it out the door with the loot. Many allow you to be stopped for simply hiding the merchandise on yourself, like a thief would.
I know LP policies vary widely within a company and even from store-to-store. Most stores wait till the last possible moment beyond point of sale to create an airtight case and to avoid any gray areas since liability for big box retailers is bad as well as negative press.

I'm just curious if in fact the LP agent waited till the last possible moment to apprehend me. Guess that's a question for an attorney.

Quote Quoting jk
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You can try but if they were going to do this, why call the police at all. There is likely a bill for a civil forfeiture headed your way. Again, state specific so I cannot look up the amount they can charge but I have seen it as high as 10 times the amount stolen.
I'll be calling the store and yes, i'm expecting bill for civil restitution from walmart even though they never finished up the paperwork or made me sign anything. Unlike cutting yourself, my illness (kleptomania) has heavy consequences and having almost finished college, it seems my career is over even before it started.
Quote Quoting jk
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sure. Take that $2000 and add another 2-5 thousand more with it and hire yourself a good lawyer. Given your history, that is about the only way you are getting anything reduced.
Yes, I have about $6000 left of savings and plan on spending every penny and if I have to, embarrass myself and as a last resort, face the most shameful part and admit to my folks and ask for assistance.

It seems that this case is mostly driven by the facts and my record and I don't see how any mitigating circumstances could benefit to me. To that end, I don't see how a public defender could really generate a more favorable outcome than a "good lawyer" as you put it.

Thanks a lot for your advice and guidance.