My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
I was arrested for shoplifting in a department store and charged with 2nd degree retail fraud. This is my first offense and I have no criminal record. I am a say at home mom with two small children. I had my children with me in the stroller while shopping and had piled several things on top and under the stroller, I paid for some things using a merchandise credit for an item that I did not have a receipt for. After I paid for my purchases I was stopped at the exit of the store by loss prevention. I had still several items under my stroller and on top that were conceled and not payed for. THe dress that I returned was also reported as a no sale from a different location of the same department store. THey then pulled a photo of me from a few weeks back conceling a bathing suit on my stroller. I told them that I was a frazzled mom who has a million things going on and it was accidental that the items were conceled and I didnt intend to steal them. I have returned the bathing suit from the previous trip to the store, and my question is, what will I be facing in court. DO the people from loss prevention come to the court to state their case? Do they have video of me every single time I came to that store? Will they try to look at back videos to see if they see me? If it is a first time offense what will happen to me? I am so embarrassed and angry at myself. Do I need a lawyer? I cant afford one. I was hoping I go go to court on my own and explain to the judge that I am just stressed and tired and sorry and that it will never happen again. I also want to ask about diversion. Am I able to do all that on my own with out a lawyer? Is there a chance that I wont get convicted? Does the investigation continue with the store or once they turn me over to the police do they close the file?

