Shoplifting at Walmart, Any Way to Get Walmart to Drop Charges Without Court

[angel enraged]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Louisiana
I was escorted to the back office of Walmart for shoplifting. Although it was not my intention to steal the $30 worth of items, long story short, middle aged soccer mom, tired, frazzled with kids for too long in walmart, and misplaced items resulted in my being detained for shoplifting. I was not physically handcuffed, but was issued a summons (like a ticket) to appear in court. AP refused to show me video, except for one clip where I placed merchandise in the top section of the cart on top of my purse. I'll admit it looked bad to me. as I said I am middle aged, never been arrested in my life. I spend at least $1500 every month at walmart, and even bought $150 worth of merchandise on this occasion. I guess my question is: Has anyone been able to get Wal-mart to drop charges entirely? Where your criminal charges are dropped? I work in the medical field and could possibly lose my license to practice. I would be willing to pay whatever restitution, apology letter, donations, pretty much whatever it would take. I'll admit I am mortified over the entire circumstance and will take extra measures to ensure it never happens again. Any advise whatsoever would be appreciated.

[PandorasBox]

You are going to court. And since you don't want to lose your medical license, you really will want a Criminal Defense Attorney.

You can also expect court costs and fines. And the store/it's lawyers will be sending a Civil Demand letter that you need to pay immediately.

When in court, let your lawyer talk for you. The court doesn't care about frazzled/tired mom with kids in the store, they've heard that story many times. And I can see where it could honestly happen. The court will not care that you spend $1500 a month at WalMart.

Whatever you do....do not contact WalMart. Once they contact the police, it was out of your hands. Contacting them to ask for charges to be dropped, you'll pay whatever....can be admitted in court as further evidence against you.

[flyingron]

I think Pandora meant it is out of Walmart's hands. Walmart isn't the one that prosecutes you. It is the state that is damaged by your criminal activity. You need a lawyer. If you are indigent, ask for a public defender.