I'm in Ohio. Two years ago, I was stopped at Walmart for a diaper box in the bottom of my stroller that wasn't scanned. They cited me for petty theft. I went to court. I paid my fine. And I did a diversion program where I paid for and took an online class on theft.
This weekend my husband and I were at Walmart buying things for Easter baskets for our kids and a few groceries. We had our special needs daughter with us and we were in the store for probably an hour. Upon leaving our self check out we were stopped at the door with items apparently missing and not scanned. It ended up being 2 bags of candy and some hot dogs I think... anyway they held me and called the police even though I asked several times that was a mistake and was happy to collect the items so I could settle the bill. This was actually a mistake I did not intend to make. I stood at the scanner for a while trying to make sure everything was scanned but I have terrible anxiety and PTSD and the store was so noisy and crowded and my non-verbal daughter was overreacting and throwing a fit over the lollipops she saw and wanted. So I think I may have missed some items. I am terrified of going to jail. Items not scanned totaled $40. I am raising 6 kids on my own and if I go to jail or lose my job we will be homeless and lose everything. I really don't know what to do I'm so scared. Court Thursday. I need legal advice