Shoplifting At Target

[CCJ11]

I was caught a couple weeks ago shoplifting at target for about $450 worth of merch. I have no criminal record. It was a horrible mistake. I admitted to everything I took to the sheriff and he released me to my parents. The guy who stopped me at target made it seem like I had to sign some sort of form, which I did, admitting to taking the items and after doing a little research I now know I didn't have to sign anything. I have never done anything like this before, obviously it was a very embarrassing and humiliating experience. I just want to pay my debt to target and society and move on, but I have no idea what is going to happen. Help?

[LawResearcherMissy]

What state are you in?

[panther10758]

At that dollar amount you might have crossed over the threshold of Felony charges. You should find an Attorney right away

[CCJ11]

california

[CCJ11]

I dont think I can really afford an attorney. How do I get a public one ? Whats the difference?

[panther10758]

When you go to court tell the judge you cannot afford an Attorney and wish a Public Defender

[CCJ11]

I am also curious about one thing in particular. When I was grabbed and handcuffed by security, they brought me in their room and cuffed me to a bench and told me "Thats what happens when you steal, you lose your rights" and continued to question me. What I am wondering is if they are allowed to tell me , as I know they have to follow a procedure or the case could be thrown out, I had lost my rights and if they are allowed to not tell me I didn't have to say anything.

[CourtClerk]

Security guards are not police officers so they don't have to mirandize you.

However, what they said has a ring of truth. At $400, you've reached the felony threshold. Which means, upon conviction, you're going to lose a lot of rights.