Shoplifting

[apologies]

I am an adult and got caught for shoplifting in Oregon at a Bi-Mart store. I picked up two small items worth around $30, and was stopped by the store security when I stepped outside the store, I handed over the items to the security when asked. I was detained at the store for questioning and later handed over to the police, taken to jail for processing and released after 8 hours. This is my first offence and I just acted on impulse and without thinking – very stupid and low thing to do, but I did it and now want to make it right. I do not have any criminal/police record, have been a good citizen, but this will probably change all that.
I have a court date in a weeks time and would want to know my options. I took an initiative to take a Theft Talk class which talks about theft and how if affects the people we steal from. I also did consult an attorney, and he advised for me to do a civil restitution - but was not sure if the store will accept it.
I would like to know if I go to the court and plead guilty, say I am sorry, write an apology letter to the store and say that I have taken this class, what are my chances? Would an attorney be able to do something different for me if I hire one? Please help as I am really scared and this is causing me sleepless nights.

Thanks!

 

[user55667]

theft

Read this thread: https://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?t=230839

Also, by taking the theft class, it will look like an admission to guilt. But it seems like you intend on pleading guilty anyway. So you do not need a lawyer, if it is your first offense, you will just get the minimum sentence of fines + probation + community service or taking another class.

 

[HomeGuru]

I am an adult and got caught for shoplifting in Oregon at a Bi-Mart store. I picked up two small items worth around $30, and was stopped by the store security when I stepped outside the store, I handed over the items to the security when asked. I was detained at the store for questioning and later handed over to the police, taken to jail for processing and released after 8 hours. This is my first offence and I just acted on impulse and without thinking – very stupid and low thing to do, but I did it and now want to make it right. I do not have any criminal/police record, have been a good citizen, but this will probably change all that.
I have a court date in a weeks time and would want to know my options. I took an initiative to take a Theft Talk class which talks about theft and how if affects the people we steal from. I also did consult an attorney, and he advised for me to do a civil restitution - but was not sure if the store will accept it.
I would like to know if I go to the court and plead guilty, say I am sorry, write an apology letter to the store and say that I have taken this class, what are my chances? Would an attorney be able to do something different for me if I hire one? Please help as I am really scared and this is causing me sleepless nights.

Thanks!

**A: shouldn't a Bi-Mart store be located in San Francisco?