Hello,
Just recently I was caught switching shoes at Meijer in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. I didn't go into the store intending to steal, I just saw a pair of shoes that I already had on, and decided to switch the old ones with the new ones. Upon leaving the store, I was approached by local security and brought back to a room. They did the whole deal: getting my drivers license, picture taken, info, etc. The lady who caught me told me that I was not banned from Meijer, just not to steal again. They seemed like I was just going to get a warning and have to pay a fine to the store. Then a police officer came, got all my info. and told me that their new policy is to arrest now, so I went to the police station and put in a holding cell. The shoes were approx. $35 and the bond was set at $500. I paid bond and got out. I am intended to pay Meijer $200 and I have a court date pending. I am 21 years old and this is my first offense. At the police station I wasn't fingerprinted and my picture wasn't taken. I have read up online that I could receive a fine up to $500 and/or jail time up to 93 days, etc. I also read in occasions that I could get probation and community service. What can I expect for the outcome to be. I am 21, first offense, no tickets or anything, retail price of $35. Any advice is appreciated, I just don't want to go to jail. The money can get paid back, it's just my dignity has been bruised.

