My question involves criminal law for the state of: Massachusetts
My BF was caught shoplifting at Circuit City. He had only did it because he was mad at the company for dumping people on the ground with the recent bankruptcy and closing of the store (he isnt the only one in the store to do it). He had to sign a written statement today in the store during his shift, and then was taken out in handcuffs. The police officer who arrested him had him go back to his house and retrieve the 2 items that were stolen and return them to the police station, and he also (on his own) gave the names of others who have stolen from the same store who are currently still employed there. The police officer told him that if he goes to the magistrate tomorrow and admits what he did was wrong and he did it out of anger of the company closing, that he wont get as bad of a "fine" as if he said something stupid or nothing at all, and also offered a written note from himself (the officer) stating that he feels that even though the crime was wrong, that because of his cooperativeness he shouldnt be dealt the swift hand. The items in question do total about $550 from what i calculated, and he has nothing currently on his record pre 18 and post 18 with this type of nature. Hes currently sleeping on my bed ATM and hes worried he is going to go to jail or not and all i can think of is that he will face fines and community service since he didnt resist and didnt detain any information about others shoplifting in the same store. I honestly dont know what else to tell him and I am confused on how to comfort him when I myself need advice as to what's really going to happen to him. Any information would be helpful and i did suggest he speak to a lawyer after tomorrow. The only odd thing is, is that he was arrested today and has a court hearing tomorrow, and it seems a bit unheard of, and he cant tell me whether or not the company wanted to press charges.

