Should we get a lawyer?

1 - WalMart prosecutes;

2 - WalMart never arrests without video tape or other proof.  Why would the Police believe WalMart and not the person who is accused?;

3 - An attorney will make very little difference;

4 - The argument that they have little and are on food stamps proves the WalMart side of things;

5 - BE AWARE that she will be banned from WalMart pretty much until the end of time.  WalMart has facial recognition software.  If your gf's mother show up at WalMart she can and will be arrested for trespassing;

6 - The papers at the time of her arrest should be VERY specific concerning what she stole.

7 - You appear very open minded.  Most people post these questions in a rage. You do not.  Honestly - commendable.  She will go a lot farther and PERHAPS face minimal charges if she goes to Court and tells the truth.  She regrets it, she stole food for her family, whatever.  The Judge will ask her about the stimulus checks and how she spends her money, BUT if she denies the charge and the video shows she is lying the Court will be very tough on her.

Don't waste your money.  I have been in court rooms with people denying they have stolen and each time the retailer brings in video evidence clearly pointing out the theft creating all out laughter in the court room.

She knows whether or not she did it. Dishonest people lie as well as steal, so I wonder if she is telling the truth. 

If they prosecute, she is entitled to see the video evidence before the trial. 

how do you plan on paying the lawyer?  if you can afford a lawyer, why don't you pay for her food and give tax payers a break?  legal aid does not help with this...and low level crimes are not eligible for a public defender...

you need to get her to be honest..if she did it, its better to take a plea deal

Absolutely she needs a lawyer, the best she can afford.  If they claim she was false swiping items, then they likely have more proof than just video--1) the alarms would not have activated unless the checkout machines didn't register a proper swipe.  2) they also have a record of her receipt, which would confirm the lack of a registered swipe. 

If you're caught lifting ANYTHING from Wallmart, even just one cheapass pack of bubble gum, even if they opt to not press charges and have you arrested, and even if once caught, the item is returned, they will STILL come after you for loss recovery.  The amount depends on the state, but they will nail you for the cost of the item plus a  a penalty whose allowable maximum varies with the state, but averages about $200.  And Wallmart ALWAYS goes after the maximum penalty.  They have retained law firms which specialize in loss recovery, and several months after the incident, she'll get a loss recovery demand letter from that law firm.  It amounts to state-sanctioned theft by the Wallmart Corporation, and if you're poor to begin with, they know you have little recourse--they'll grab you by the throat and shake you down for all they can squeeze out of you.  

Yes, get an attorney as soon as possible.   Since money is a problem, please allow me to suggest that you call your local (usually county) Legal Aid Office, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  

It is a relatively minor case, if you can afford a lawyer get one quickly; otherwise court will appoint one for her. Burden is on the state to prove the case. 

If she had only false-swiped one thing, that's understandable, but $100 worth of items?  No I wouldn't even bother with a lawyer, especially if they're barely getting by.  The cameras don't lie and she needs to own up to her crime.  I don't think she'd end up in jail, but she would likely be banned from that Walmart.

If she has been arrested and charged with a serious crime, that's a situation that requires getting a lawyer.  Do what you can to request a copy of that footage and closely examine it because that is the key to proving her guilt or innocence.