What is the Penalty for Shoplifting in North Carolina

[PACKS]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Shoplifting in Wake County, NC.

I am a homemaker and 46 years of age woman. No previous criminal record of any kind. Yesterday I went shopping with my husband to Belk, while in the store he bought me a necklace for $15, while he was paying I stole a matching ring for a similar price. LP apprehended me on the way out.

There they questioned me in an office, and I apologized that I had taken the ring. Later the Mall police came and asked if I had a gun in my purse. I said no and he said that he had to look through my purse. Inside they found a another ring and a pair of earnings, which I had bought from a different store and paid for a years ago. LP went out to the store floor and came back with a bunch of empty boxes and said that the ring and earnings belonged to them. They wrote a citation for 2 rings and a pair a earnings for $120 and said that I stole them. They made me sign a form, took my picture and said that I can never visit Belk for 5 years or the mall for 1 year or they will arrest me.

What are my options and how can I not get a criminal record. I heard of a diversion program, can I go and enroll in this. Should I goto to the local DA's office to see what my options are.

Thank You

[Shadowbunny]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Shoplifting in Wake County, NC.

I am a homemaker and 46 years of age woman. No previous criminal record of any kind. Yesterday I went shopping with my husband to Belk, while in the store he bought me a necklace for $15, while he was paying I stole a matching ring for a similar price. LP apprehended me on the way out.

There they questioned me in an office, and I apologized that I had taken the ring. Later the Mall police came and asked if I had a gun in my purse. I said no and he said that he had to look through my purse. Inside they found a another ring and a pair of earnings, which I had bought from a different store and paid for a years ago. LP went out to the store floor and came back with a bunch of empty boxes and said that the ring and earnings belonged to them. They wrote a citation for 2 rings and a pair a earnings for $120 and said that I stole them. They made me sign a form, took my picture and said that I can never visit Belk for 5 years or the mall for 1 year or they will arrest me.

What are my options and how can I not get a criminal record. I heard of a diversion program, can I go and enroll in this. Should I goto to the local DA's office to see what my options are.

Thank You

Was this citation from the Loss Prevention, or did were the police called and issued the citation? Because of the citation was from the store or the mall, then there is no reason to contact the DA. At least not until/unless you are notified that criminal charges have been filed. And at that time, you should get an attorney.

In the meantime, don't return to that store or the mall and stop stealing. And there's no reason to go to the DA's office.

[PACKS]

I am sorry, I do not know what me take that ring. But yes I will not steal again.

As for the citation it was from the Mall Police, they have a court date and time.

My husband wants us to go to the DA and see what our options are. We just want to avoid having a criminal record. We are willing pay any fines and do any programs suggested.

Thank you for your reply.

[flyingron]

Understand the DA is not on your side. You can certainly inquire with him as to whether a diversion program is available; unless he is forthcoming with such, you need your OWN attorney.

[PACKS]

thank You