Failing to Scan an Item at the Self-Scanner When Distracted

[april123]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida
Hi, I received a notice to appear from clay county this morning at Walmart. The item was printer ink valued at $15.97. I put the item on the register to turn and talk to my daughter. Then thought I scanned it so at the end put it in the bag. It was literally an honest mistake. The metal detector went off, I waited on an associate and was escorted to the office. I have no background and have never been in trouble with the law. My two children were with me & I have a Texas id if that matters; but am a resident of Florida. My id was in my truck and so the police were called. I have to call about my hearing Tuesday or Wednesday. I have filled some online forms for attorneys, and will contact some when they open. Any advice would be amazing. Oh and it happened in another county then I reside in. Also they wrote down my children's names, dob, height/weight etc. is this standard or what would be the reason for this? Lastly the paper they gave me has some wrong information on it like my eye color, weight etc. I was not asked these questions and realized this when I got home. Walmart also took my receipt as evidence and I spent almost $60 if that matters.

Thanks

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Sorry for the reply I do not know how to edit.

I have contacted a few attorneys near me only 2 would give me a price quote over the phone. How do I tell I am getting a good lawyer or paying a decent price? One lawyer is $750 for first timers and another is $985.
Any help selecting an attorney would be amazing. I also qualify for legal aid would the be a better approach? I just received my student loans from college otherwise I wouldn't even have the money to put down for a lawyer. I am afraid I will not get a good one from legal aid and this will get on my record/ruin my life for a $16 item.

Please any advice would be a huge help
Thansk

[viol8te]

Allow the attorney that you decide on to hear your version and no one else. Your story has been heard so many times before that you'd be hard pressed to sway someone to believe it even if it is 100% true. The fact that you've admitted to being strapped financially lends to the idea that you stole the ink more than to the idea that you mistakenly put it in the bag. The kids may have been included because the store may possibly ban them from entering the store as well.

So, keep quiet. No one can lead you to an attorney. It's more of a matter of who you feel most comfortable going with. Speak to your counsel(when you've made your decision) regarding any questions that you may have.

[april123]

Thank you I have an appointment tomorrow. I never said I was strapped for cash but most people can't pay 1200 without any sort of notice especially around the Christmas time

[DeputyDog]

Knowing Wal-Mart's policies, I believe there is more to this story and that they have some indication that you did it on purpose. They may or may not be correct, but I believe there's more to this.

[april123]

Hi there is not more to the story. As the associate stated if I would have had an instate id she would have wrote it up and it would be a civil matter. But because my id was from another state and in my truck she had to call the cops to get my identity verified. When the supervisor for the cop came by he laughed when he found out the price and was quiet the rest of the time.

[Lehk]

Also they wrote down my children's names, dob, height/weight etc. is this standard or what would be the reason for this?

it's for the report they will be filing with CPS.

Committing a crime with your children present is extremely serious.