I am scared to absolute death! I have been so depressed over my actions you just don't even know.
A week ago I was caught shoplifting at a local store and my court date is tomorrow. The amount that they totaled was around $140, yet I disagree with their figure. 1. Because I believe that are trying to say that I took more than what I did and 2. Some things were on sale and others on clearance at the given time, yet I don't know if that can be argued or not. Can I fight the figure issue when I go to court or is it a losing battle?
Also, the lady with LP kept some store receipts from earlier visits, coupons, grocery list, rain checks and 2 mail-in-rebate forms that were from this store as well. Can they do that? They also kept a few items from my purse that clearly belonged to me. Can I do anything about that or would I just be being more argumentative then I need be and get on their worse side? The stuff isn't really that important, but if they want to make my life more hell then I have already put myself through then I want to raise the issue.
The store receipts that LP kept are going to be used to check and see if I shoplifted anything from the store on that date. However, I went to shoplift, but I chickened out and set the stuff down in an aisle. What if they see me going to steal the items, but overlook me setting the items down or can't see me when I am setting the items down? Can they prosecute when they have no actual proof that I left the store with the items? (I'm in enough trouble as it is)
I was going to ask for a PD (counsel) on my court date because after I pay the stores $200 civil fine and whatever fine that the courts will give me providing they don't lock me up and I have to make bail, I just won't have the money for counsel. Not to mention the fact that I have not told me husband about the incident because I don't want him to worry or stress over my stupidity and I did not want my kids to find out. What procedure do I need to go through when I get called before the judge and requesting counsel?
I have one final question for you. I have been told not to admit premeditation, but my excuse (not like there should be an excuse) is better than saying, "I don't know why I did it." My excuse is it was a fraternity stunt. I had to either get select items from the store or I had to inflict bodily harm on someone, and I personally felt that stealing was better give the options. I do totally understand however that my decision was poor altogether and I am a total idiot for doing it to begin with; however, I thought the fraternity would look good on the old résumé when I graduated. Anyway, would the truth be better than the old I don't know why or should I say I don't know why I did it?
Thanks for you time!

