What to Do if You Get a Court Summons for Shoplifting, Not Caught at the Store

[swood41]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maine

So I shoplifted a pair of shoes by taking my old pair off and putting a different pair from the store on and walked out with them. I wasn't caught at the store. Weeks later I get info that I'm supposed to go to the county jail to pick up paperwork: a summons to court for shoplifting shoes. Should I confess, or plead innocent and try to fight it? What should I expect on the court date? I can't afford a lawyer, but don't they appoint you one? How do I go about doing that?

This is my first offence. Also, I had gotten arrested on a separate issue (not shoplifting) before I was summonsed. I was wearing those shoes I stole when I was arrested. So they might have proof that I have the shoes. I was thinking about saying something like "my mom had gone back in the store and paid for the shoes" or "I had taken the shoes back off" but the surveilence video might have shown me walk out/leave the parking lot without paying/taking the goes off.

I don't know what exactly the video shows so I don't want to get caught lying. But I've always heard it's hard for them to convict you if you aren't actually caught at the time of the offence. I'm just not sure if I should bother fighting it or just plead guilty. I really don't want this charge, and don't have money to pay fines, etc.. thanks for reading

[LegalWriter]

The only way to find out what evidence the prosecution has is to plead not guilty when you go to court and ask for the appointment of counsel. Don't say anything to the cops or anybody else. When you get an attorney and they get a look at all the evidence, then they will tell your options and you can decide.

[Mr. Knowitall]

The police prepared a report based upon your act of theft, and a prosecutor determined from that report that there was a basis to proceed with charges. They likely have you on video and, obviously, they thought it worth the effort to track you down. You were caught with the stolen shoes right on your feet -- and you're not going to be able to show a receipt for the shoes.

You should discuss your options with a criminal defense lawyer. If your reference to your mother can be inferred as meaning that you're a minor, you should talk to your mother. If you plan to try to make her part of your defense strategy, keep in mind that mom may not want to commit the crime of perjury to try to help you avoid the consequence of stealing shoes.