Shoplifting In Michigan

[molly2007]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan.
To sum up my story; two nights ago my friend and I went into Wal-Mart and tried to steal make-up.
Well, our stupid idea came to an end when we were just past the first door on our way out, and this guy ran after us and said that he was a "secret shopper" and he told me that I had to give back what I had in my bag. So I gave him the stuff that I took and he said where is the blue box if you don't give this to me then I will call the cops. So my friend said you promise you won't call the police if I give you this back. He said yes, so she went in her bag and gave it to him.
Then he said that we needed to go with him to a back room. We did, and he took our licenses and wrote out a report. He said that my friend had $25 worth of make-up and I had $28. He told us that we would be hearing from their lawyer to pay the fine. He also said that we probably wouldn't be allowed back in any Wal-Mart or Sam's Club for one year.
We asked him if he was going to call the cops and he said that it was up to his manger. Well in the end she called the police officer and he came in and took us to the jail where we got checked in and then we were right away checked out.
The officer there let us go without bond because neither of us had any money. The officer also said that because we are both 19 years old that this will not be on our record. When we asked what will happen he said that we have an arrangement (?) on the 28th of this month. And that he didn't think that we would need a lawyer. Because we are in college and live in a college town he said that just last year alone they caught 375 shoplifters.
I honestly have never been in a situation like this before. My friend and I both have a clean record. And I don't know what to do about this situation. Will we have to go back to jail? Is there going to be another hearing after the arrangement, even if we say that we are guilty? I would appreciate any help offered!!
(OH and the secret shopper only saw me take something, so they have my friend down as the accomplice will our sentences be different)

[Happy Trails]

Unlikely that you will be going to jail.

See this thread for information that may be available to you in your county.

http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38331

[Mouser]

the possibility of jail is negligible to the point of being inconsequential. here's what you will most likely end up with: fine, some community service, summary probabtion 1-2 years. it seems that a shoplifting conviction has almost become a college rite of passage.

[jayman]

The fact that you were 19 has nothing to do with why you were let go on a personal bond. The amount make up that you took is not enough for a criminal charge. I am assuming that you were arrested for a citation. You could get a lawyer, but i think in you case it would be a waste of money. Pay the fine that you will probaly get and come on your 19 and 20, your not little kids. You will probaly get off easy this time, but ive got a feeling that this is not the first time your have been shoplifting. Oh yeah, in some states if your caught stealing multiple times, they can bump it up to a criminal charge, and that will be on your record.

[Happy Trails]

The fact that you were 19 has nothing to do with why you were let go on a personal bond. The amount make up that you took is not enough for a criminal charge. I am assuming that you were arrested for a citation. You could get a lawyer, but i think in you case it would be a waste of money. Pay the fine that you will probaly get and come on your 19 and 20, your not little kids. You will probaly get off easy this time, but ive got a feeling that this is not the first time your have been shoplifting. Oh yeah, in some states if your caught stealing multiple times, they can bump it up to a criminal charge, and that will be on your record.

What? Are you saying you believe there is a certain value amount that one must steal before they could be charged criminally?

[jayman]

What I mean is that items stolen with value under a certain amount you would recieve a citation. Which is like getting a speeding ticket. For instace, theft under $50 is class c offense, which is a citation. Theft $50<500 is a Class B which is criminal charge. Sorry if I confused you.