Can I Asked To Have The Charges Dropped

[cj84]

I am from Tennessee, I was just caught at Kohls shoplifiting just under 200 dollars of merchandise. They called the police and they issued me a misdemeanor citation. I am TERRIFIED of what is going to happen to me. I am not even a bad person! I don't know WHAT I was thinking. I am so horrified at what I've done and scared of going to court. Is it possible to call Kohls and talk to the loss prevention lady that caught me and plea with her to drop the charges and ask her to make a civil demand to pay more money instead of going to court?

[aardvarc]

It's not up to the store to drop charges at this point. Once a police report has been filed, only the DA can make that call.

[panther10758]

Let me get this right? You commit a crime now that your caught you want them to forget it? Kohl's does not have that option the DA does and its not likely DA will. You should consult with a criminal defense Attorney and discuss your options like possible diversion if availalbe to reduce the negative impact on yourself

[chuckycheese]

I think your reaction is a very reasonable one, under the circumstances. However, as the previous responders have said, it's simply too late and the 'cat's out of the bag'. You'll be wise to follow their advice in order to try to minimize the damage.

By the way, if someone stole something from you, wouldn't you think they were "a bad person"? I'm curious about that; maybe you wouldn't!

[cj84]

no, I would not think they're a "bad" person. You never really know someone or their circumstances. In my case, it was just a psychological one. It has nothing to do with not having the money. Unfortunately it's the exact opposite! My husband is very well off ( I don't work) and our family is more than well taken care of. I have seen a lawyer already and he will represent me. From the things I told him about my life right now, he seems to think (educated opinion) that instead of other psychological options of lashing out, i.e. cutting, over eating, anger, ect....that I resorted to theft. I guess it could make sense. B/c I certainly couldn't tell you why I did it. Anyway, I guess my point is, EVERYONE is different and everyone has a story. When someone does something wrong, even VERY wrong, it is not our place to judge them personally. Not everyone who makes a big mistake is necessarily "bad". And the consequences they (I) will suffer from it is certainly eye-opening and life changing!

[jk]

And the consequences they (I) will suffer from it is certainly eye-opening and life changing!

that IS the point of the consequences.

[chuckycheese]

no, I would not think they're a "bad" person. You never really know someone or their circumstances. In my case, it was just a psychological one. It has nothing to do with not having the money. Unfortunately it's the exact opposite! My husband is very well off ( I don't work) and our family is more than well taken care of. I have seen a lawyer already and he will represent me. From the things I told him about my life right now, he seems to think (educated opinion) that instead of other psychological options of lashing out, i.e. cutting, over eating, anger, ect....that I resorted to theft. I guess it could make sense. B/c I certainly couldn't tell you why I did it. Anyway, I guess my point is, EVERYONE is different and everyone has a story. When someone does something wrong, even VERY wrong, it is not our place to judge them personally. Not everyone who makes a big mistake is necessarily "bad". And the consequences they (I) will suffer from it is certainly eye-opening and life changing!

You may not be judged personally...but you will be judged legally; that should be of great concern. If your lawyer can convince the judge that your illegal actions occurred as a result of your being mentally unstable, you may gain a reprieve; but it may come back to haunt you in the future. The shortest road is sometimes fraught with peril; if I were you, I'd consider the 'big picture'...and how you want to be perceived in the future.