Q: Should I have an attorney present on a shoplifting case and how much would it be?
I have court on Jan. 30th for shoplifting from Walmart. The machine which usually beeps was not working properly. It doesn't help that I had been up since 5 that morning. I was tired and ready to get out of Walmart on Christmas Eve. I quickly ran items across the scanner, paid, and proceeded to leave. I got to the door and started to check my receipt, still inside, as I waited for my ride to pull around. I was stopped and brought to the office. We both went over the receipt. I explained like hey I get it but I will pay for the items I just need to get home. She went over the video and called the cops. She says everything went over the scanner but most of it didnt scan so its shoplifting. After 3 hours I went back and reshopped and got most of the same items that were left on the shelves. This will be my first offense and I don't want a record for something I feel could've been avoided. I'm not banned from Walmart or anything either.
A: If facing criminal charges you should have a lawyer. Most criminal defense lawyers will provide a free consultation to discuss your case, review any defenses and to explain ways to keep this off your record. Once it is on your record it never goes away.
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