I am a 22 yr old living in North Carolina and today I got caught shoplifting.
I am very sorry and very embarrased.
I was brought to the back of Dillards and my bag was searched.
I had merchandise not only from Dillards but also from J.crew and Victoria's Secret. The total value was $230.00.
This is my first time. My record is also clean except for a speeding ticket which was dropped after a prayer of judgement.
The cop came soon, I was not arrested but I was given a misdemeanor charge. G.S. 14-72(a). I was NOT taken to the police department . My fingerprints were NOT taken.
But I am banned from the department store.
The police asked me why I did this, and I had to tell the truth: It has been awhile since I've shopped for myself. Late Decemeber 2005, I had a pregnancy terminated due to a rape while I was drunk at a party. I was deeply ashamed and felt dirty. For weeks I blamed myself for letting my guards down, and at the same time I felt so angry for having to go through the surgery by myself and also sad. When I was in the dressing room today, seeing all these happy people and nice stores with beautiful stuff, I felt like I wanted to get back at something, someone, anyone or anything. I took a shirt w/o sensors and when I didn't get caught I felt this rush or success. I don't know how to describe it. So I went on to different stores and the last store I got caught.
The police asked me specifics about the women's clinic I had the surgery and said he would not arrest me.
I am very sorry and I don't know what came over me today.
I promise I won't do this again...but now I have new sets of problems and questions.
1)Do I have to explain my surgery at the court in front of so many people? I didn't mind disclosing it to the police 1-to-1, but in front so many people? I am afraid I will judged. I do have the documentation from the women's clinic if really needed.
2)I am in the process of transferring schools- what can I do if I get sentenced probation? Will the school deny my admission?
3)how much will it cost to hire a lawyer, generally?
4)How will this affect getting a job and leasing an apartment?
5)what should I do? I have NEVER done anything illegal in my life.
Unfortunate events that had happened to me is not an excuse for what I did today. If I could, I wish to take it all back...but all I can do now is to become a more reformed citizen and take full responsibilty.

