My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
I was caught stealing $74 dollars of stuff from Walmart in Sterling Heights, MI a few days ago. I didn't sign anything and the woman at Walmart just typed up something that was given to the police when they got there. I did this once before in 2003. Is this retail fraud 3rd degree or 2nd degree? I didn't get any civil demand letter from walmart and the police officer was surprised that they didn't give me one. Does this mean I don't have to pay a CD? I'm unemployed (which is why I stole food in the first place) and have no money. The police officers were very nice and told me that I could get a legal aid lawyer since I have no money, is this true? When will the court give me this lawyer? Since I'm completely broke, what is going to happen to me when I go to court? Can I offer to "work" off my fines? Could I do communnity service instead? There is no way for me to get money, I've borrowed from everyone and I'm behind in all my bills. Would it help me if I went to Casa classes or saw a psychiatrist (if I can find a free one)? I'm very scared and don't want to go to jail. I thought I was better and I don't know why I did this again. I just wanted some food to eat. Please help me. I feel like I'm going crazy. Thank you.
The police officers told me that it's possible I could be put in a work program or get probation but since this is my second offense, how can I pay for probation if I have no money. I don't know when I will have to go to court as this happened on Monday and I haven't received anything yet. The police took my fingerprints but walmart just took a picture of the food I took, no pictures of me. I've been reading other posts and don't understand why I wasn't given anything to sign? Are there free criminal lawyers in Michigan that can give me some advice on what to do before court? I didn't see any in the phone book. Can someone please help me. Thank you.

