First Offense, Petty Misdemeanor Shoplifting - What Happens Now

[ohioproblem]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio

Today I obviously made the dumbest mistake of my life, and I won't make excuses because it really is my fault. I want to explain what happened in full detail so I can hopefully get the best answers possible... SO:
I went to target today with the intention of purchasing an easter basket + goodies to make for a friend overseas in the airforce. I put a few things in the easter basket to carry, got a phone call and took it so I was on the phone while shopping. I put a few nail polishes and little things for the basket in my pocket because I had no room to carry them (basket was full too) and I have done this in the past and paid at the register with no problems. When I got to the register I was still on the phone so I wasn't paying attention. I payed for the basket and merchandise in it. I got off the phone and headed for the exit before I realized I had all that crap in my pockets. Here's the mistake, instead of turning around to pay I thought, "Gotta get home on time, I'd be so embarrassed if I went back in line with this stuff in my pockets, this is a huge company they won't even know it's missing. is it even a big deal, it's just a couple things."

Before I walked through the door a guy caught me and accused me of theft with concealed items. I was petrified and didn't know what to say besides, "what?" how stupid. he said he knew what it was and that I had them in my pockets. after so much hesitation from how afraid I was I finally followed him to the back room where he had me surrender the items. he was pretty pissed, accused me of shoplifting there before (probably thought so because in the past I used my pockets to hold extra things for me...) and was in so much shock I didn't know how to react. I was cooperative but he was angry and even swore at me. my story obviously didn't phase him, what kind of store manager would believe it? they probably hear it a lot anyway so how can I argue against it? he tallied the cost of the items (under 100 dollars) but since it exceeded 20 he had to call a sheriff. he wasn't too nice either, understandably, why would you be nice to shoplifters... they (target manager and sheriff) took a pic of me, got my address and phone number and the sheriff wrote me a citation where I will appear in court in three days. the sheriff went through my purse and questioned me about items (simple things like candy) I bought elsewhere and acted like I took that stuff too, just because I didn't have a receipt. they accused me of having stolen items that weren't even on my, like a skirt I was looking at in the store. he told me I was never allowed there or in surrounding stores ever again or I'd be arrested immediately. made me sign a waver about not being allowed to go back to that target ever and another form about the theft... then they let me go home.

I know you can't predict the future, but what happens now? I read so many articles saying go to your court date, plead not guilty and get yourself a lawyer. i'm terrified and hate myself for this, I have probably effected future employment, stuff for school like financial aid... i'm 21 by the way, i'm an adult responsible for my actions... first offense of any kind besides a couple speeding tickets when I was younger... I wanted to take care of this without my dad, it would destroy him if he found out but i'm afraid I won't be able to afford a lawyer on my own... I talked to one over the phone and they are so expensive and I don't make much... my job would be so upset too... I work at a clothing store for kids... I love it there and I would never betray them but I feel like they would not trust me and let me go if they found out... will they? what's going to happen?

[PandorasBox]

You will have a Civil Demand. Court hearing and costs and fines. Best to get a lawyer.

Your employer can be notified if they run a new background check.

[ohioproblem]

Thank you. I plan on getting a lawyer, unfortunately my court date is right after the holiday weekend (tues april 2nd) so I may not find one I trust on time. So I assume if I don't I go to my court date and plea not guilty to buy some time and find one? I'm really hoping there's a way things can be fixed, this is the only mistake I've made to this multitude and I feel like the scum of the earth...

also, can target try and pin me on my past visits? he accused me of doing this many times before. I had no idea what to say because my story was crud as it was and I was just too scared. I did a lot of google searches though, apparently a lot of people caught at target get accused of previous theft though... if that makes a difference. maybe it's a scare tactic? every time I have been in there I hold items I consider buying and when I change my mind I stow them away in the wrong places, or leave them in fitting rooms (lazy and bad behavior, yes,) so maybe they are confusing that with me trying to steal.

TO ANYONE READING THIS, don't distract yourself when shopping or you'll end up like me. I hear too many accidental stories like this and no one believes you, how could they anyway... And if you want something and can't afford it, well, you'll be paying loads more in court fees, civil fees etc. then the item itself anyway... not worth it. :/

[llworking]

I would like to give you a piece of advice...

If I had a dollar for everyone I know who got distracted and did something stupid because they were on the phone when they shouldn't have been, I would be a rich woman.

Stop answering your phone when you are in stores, or otherwise doing something that needs even a little bit of your attention. You can always call someone back.

[PandorasBox]

Never ever put anything in your pocket or purse. Up in the front of the store are these things called shopping carts. Tell the greeter you need a cart and one will be brought to you or they will hold onto your items for a few minutes.

Once you have put it in your pocket - you are considered to have concealed the item.

[bam!]

Thank you. I plan on getting a lawyer, unfortunately my court date is right after the holiday weekend (tues april 2nd) so I may not find one I trust on time. So I assume if I don't I go to my court date and plea not guilty to buy some time and find one? I'm really hoping there's a way things can be fixed, this is the only mistake I've made to this multitude and I feel like the scum of the earth...

also, can target try and pin me on my past visits? he accused me of doing this many times before. I had no idea what to say because my story was crud as it was and I was just too scared. I did a lot of google searches though, apparently a lot of people caught at target get accused of previous theft though... if that makes a difference. maybe it's a scare tactic? every time I have been in there I hold items I consider buying and when I change my mind I stow them away in the wrong places, or leave them in fitting rooms (lazy and bad behavior, yes,) so maybe they are confusing that with me trying to steal.

TO ANYONE READING THIS, don't distract yourself when shopping or you'll end up like me. I hear too many accidental stories like this and no one believes you, how could they anyway... And if you want something and can't afford it, well, you'll be paying loads more in court fees, civil fees etc. then the item itself anyway... not worth it. :/

Target has its own crime lab. Search target ap on google. They have great CCTV and a bolo network. You get away once, two or three times and they are on to you. Best go come clean before they come knocking on your door.