Shoplifting in a Thrift Store, Possible Outcome

[funtimes]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: UTAH
I was caught and given a citation for Retail Theft. Code 76-6-602 Misdemeanor. The total was $17. The security guard contacted the local police and they came to the store and issued the citation. I do not have money for an attorney. I have researched online and found that the NASP has an online course with certification. Will it help my case to have taken the course before I go to court? Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I am a single mother with three children.

[Antigone]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: UTAH
I was caught and given a citation for Retail Theft. Code 76-6-602 Misdemeanor. The total was $17. The security guard contacted the local police and they came to the store and issued the citation. I do not have money for an attorney. I have researched online and found that the NASP has an online course with certification. Will it help my case to have taken the course before I go to court? Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I am a single mother with three children.

Wait until you are mandated by the court to do anything. Expect a demand notice in the mail, and expect it to be at least a couple of hundred dollars.

[Security Consultant]

In Utah the Civil Penalty is an amount not to exceed $500 plus an additional penalty as determined by the court of not less than $50 nor more than $500.

[mmmagique]

Aren't most thrift stores charities that contribute to the down trodden in society? Why would you steal from a thrift store of all places? That's like taking money from the donation basket at church!

[PandorasBox]

I volunteered in one....would you believe there was a group going around stealing wallets from shoppers purses? How low do you go to steal from people shopping at a Thrift Store?

[mmmagique]

The whole thing is just really sad.