My question involves criminal law for the state of: Illinois
Ill be quick and simple. I went into Target to purchase various items. I hung two children shirts I intended to purchase on the side of the cart. Continued my shopping and went through check out and paid for the items in the cart not realizing I had forgot the two shirts hanging to the side of the cart. Walking to the exit doors, security stopped me. I explained that I completely forgot them, that I had intentions of paying for them, and would even pay for them right now which they refused to let me do. The total for the two shirts was $29.00. Since this happened to me, I have been trying to educate myself on retail fraud and wanted others opinions. I know in Illinois, its retail fraud after you pass the last payment station and can be arrested while still in the store. So I believe I broke the law even though I unintentionally did so. My question is based on Sec. 16A-3 and 16A-4. If I did commit the offense, but was not concealing it or intentionally trying to steal it, would there be a chance to win the case?
Sec 16A-3 states:
Sec. 16A-3. Offense of Retail Theft.
A person commits the offense of retail theft when he or she knowingly:
(a)Takes possession of, carries away, transfers or causes to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale in a retail mercantile establishment with the intention of retaining such merchandise or with the intention of depriving the merchant permanently of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying the full retail value of such merchandise; or
Sec 16A-4 states:
Sec. 16A-4. Presumptions.
If any person:
(a) conceals upon his or her person or among his or her belongings, unpurchased merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale in a retail mercantile establishment; and
Thanks.

