Being Charged for Shoplifting at Kohls

[jz102]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

i posted over the last week,. i had been caught shoplifing at Kohls, but was let go. i just saw on line that I AM being charged criminally for the crime. I have not been served or received in mail, but its on line as an open case. what do i do? i am beyond upset and sick, no way will i sleep. i am a single mom of 2, will i go to jail? i own my own business, this is going to be the worst thing for me, i am already financially broke and hurting so badly. honestly, i cannot stop crying. why did they charge me and not just do the civil demand?

[M'sta Mikey]

If the police were called and booked or cited you, you could figure that you'd be charged. And the civil demand will come as soon as your trial is over so that must be paid as well as everything else (legal fees, court costs, etc.) If you cannot afford an attorney, plead Not Guilty at your arraignment and request a public defender be appointed. If you qualify, the courts will appoint one.

Most likely no jail time but you most likely will have to serve probation and pay fines. If you get a deferrment (you complete your sentence and stay out of trouble), this probably won't be a permanent blotch on your record. And note that you will never be allowed back into any of their stores again. You do, they can have you arrested for trespassing.

[jz102]

thank you for the quick reply. should i call a public defender now or wait til court? i am so ashamed, i am on the pta, along with so many other which could harm my children and my business.

and one factor, i told the police that day. i had just started taking pres pain meds and was very dizzy at athe time of the situation. why did they not give me a copy of what i signed as i told them i probably would not remember the complete situation due to the medication.

since i am 46, never been charged, 2 children? due the courts take that into consideration?

sorry, just beyond sick and ashamed, want to crawl into a hole and not come out

[jz102]

i got served my summmons today for the charge, its theft under $500. i got a public defender, he told me i could serve time, maybe 6 days or a weekend, but worst it will be on my records for the rest of my life. hes saying to pled quilty? i am so uipset i feel like i am living on borrowed time and could loose my life. the judge i have is a hard one and does not care about being a single mom, first time, etc? could i really go to jail, never charged before, i am 46 and so scared.