I went into a store name in WI and grabbed some items I was going to purchase. While walking around, I saw an item that cost about $9. That was my horrible decision mistake. I decided to take the item out of its little plastic cover and put it in my pocket. At that time I didn't have much cash due to bills and waiting for the next paycheck. I only had $30 cash with me which I had to use $10 for gas and didn't have enough cash to cover that $9 item. I went to the cash register and checked out. Walked out the door and the LP and security came after me. They told me they saw what I did and ask me to give them the item. I took the item out of my pocket and gave it to them. They took me to the their office and took down my information, ID, and took a pic of me. They also told me they called the police and after 15min, the police came. The police didn't read the miranda rights. He asked me why i did it and told him I didn't have enough cash. After that, the police and I went outside to this car and I got in, he wrote me a ticket. I'm 22 yrsold and in college, I have a wife and daughter. I should've known better. I deeply regret what I did. I'm embarass to face my wife and family. No one knows about this yet except for my wife.
My question is:
I. When the police gave me the citation, is it a charged right there? If so, will it appear in my record right away?
II. On the ticket, the "appearence required stated :NO." the cop told me I don't have to go to court if I pay the ticket. I read on the forum that it's better to have an lawyer or plead not guilty and ask for a PD on the first trial. Give me our opinion on this please.
III. I read alot of the posts and made an appointment to meet a criminal defense attorney for a free consultation. The only thing I have with me at the moment are the ticket and the paper the LP gave me (saying they have a claim against me for damages resulting retail theft, is the the civil demand?), will that be enought information to discuss with the lawyer in 2 days?
IV. I work at a retail store name in the recieving department for almost a year, Will they be told about it?
V. If I decide to go to court with a lawyer on the day, Do the court need to know about it? or can the lawyer just appear?
VI. This is my first offense and I have a clean background, What are the chances of this case getting dropped or eligibility for a diversion?
VII. Will taking the anti-theft class benefit me?
Sorry for asking so many questions, I'm deeply saddened for my action and havnt' been sleeping and eating well lately. My court date won't be until 2.5weeks. Please give advice.
My question is:
I. When the police gave me the citation, is it a charged right there? If so, will it appear in my record right away?
II. On the ticket, the "appearence required stated :NO." the cop told me I don't have to go to court if I pay the ticket. I read on the forum that it's better to have an lawyer or plead not guilty and ask for a PD on the first trial. Give me our opinion on this please.
III. I read alot of the posts and made an appointment to meet a criminal defense attorney for a free consultation. The only thing I have with me at the moment are the ticket and the paper the LP gave me (saying they have a claim against me for damages resulting retail theft, is the the civil demand?), will that be enought information to discuss with the lawyer in 2 days?
IV. I work at a retail store name in the recieving department for almost a year, Will they be told about it?
V. If I decide to go to court with a lawyer on the day, Do the court need to know about it? or can the lawyer just appear?
VI. This is my first offense and I have a clean background, What are the chances of this case getting dropped or eligibility for a diversion?
VII. Will taking the anti-theft class benefit me?
Sorry for asking so many questions, I'm deeply saddened for my action and havnt' been sleeping and eating well lately. My court date won't be until 2.5weeks. Please give advice.
