They gave me the civil damages letter in the LP office. It gives me a number to call in 2 weeks and they told me they'll most likely request I pay up to 3x the amount I stole. They also said I was not banned from Walmart and can come back anytime. My court date is more than a month from now so I'm wondering if my successful paying of the civil fee beforehand will affect my case? Is it Walmart pressing charges or the State/City?
I've heard of the diversion program. Would a public defender be able to work out a diversion deal? I really don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a lawyer and look like a punk for getting an expensive lawyer to defend a crime I fully admit and take responsibility for committing.
Also, I've heard cops can't testify on behalf of the defendant. I didn't tell the cop anything bad or incriminating, obviously I'm guilty and I have nothing I hide. But why would they offer to show up to the court? Maybe it's nothing, it's just that I really don't trust police officers due to my experience being harassed by them in my city entire teenage life (again, never been arrested).
Thank you for the quick answers, by the way. Yesterday I was extremely down but now I realize my life isn't over. This is gonna suck, but I'll get through it.

