- Jurisdiction
- Oklahoma
I was at Walmart with a "friend" and we were caught shoplifting. About $87 worth of stupid nonsense. We were arrested and it was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. I've never been in trouble before and don't plan on it happening EVER again. My announcement of attorney was today and i can't afford one, so I asked to represent myself. During my arraignment,(the day i was bonded out) the judge said if you can pay your bail, you can afford a lawyer... i didn't hear anything about public defenders so i hoped i could just plead and face whatever consequences i brought on myself. Id rather admit to being caught red handed As opposed to fighting tooth and nail with a lawyer i can't afford . My bail was $1500 and the $150 premium is paid in full. I also got a civil demand letter from an attorney representing Wal-Mart and they're requesting $100 in the next 20 days or so. My question is, no merchandise was removed from the store and no merchandise was damaged. I had the money to pay for it but i guess the laws have changed so i was screwed because of my stupid mistake. The civil demand states that it is separate from any criminal proceedings that may have arisen from the incident and "is not an attempt to collect a debt." I have no clue what that means and have seen mixed reviews how to handle these letters. Am i only being charged by the state of Oklahoma's for "larceny of merchandise from a retailer- a misdemeanor." (So would that be petty larceny??) Or am i ALSO being charged by Walmart to pay a civil demand of $100? I thought that was only if the merchandise was damaged? Forgive my ignorance, i have no clue about any of this and am terrified. I want to ask for a deferred sentence so it's off my record, I'm beyond ready for this to be over.
Last thing- in my court minute, it says "All fines, court costs, assessment fees and restitution will be due and payable in FULL at the time of the sentencing."
I have no idea what my fines and court fees and restitution is!! I thought i found that out at sentencing?? I know so many who pay monthly court costs, etc., so should i just go up to the court house and see what all i owe?
Thank you for any advice it's greatly appreciated.
Last thing- in my court minute, it says "All fines, court costs, assessment fees and restitution will be due and payable in FULL at the time of the sentencing."
I have no idea what my fines and court fees and restitution is!! I thought i found that out at sentencing?? I know so many who pay monthly court costs, etc., so should i just go up to the court house and see what all i owe?
Thank you for any advice it's greatly appreciated.