Do I have to plead guilty or not guilty for a petty theft on a $25 bracelet?

Depending on the amount allegedly stolen and the jurisdiction where the event occurred, shoplifting can be met with a mere citation (infraction), or charged as a misdemeanor or even a felony, with possible jail sentences of 6 months to 3 years. It will be up to the D.A. to determine how the crime will be charged. I suggest that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you and get you the best deal possible.

Shoplifting items of a value of less than $950.00 is petty theft. The first three times a person is convicted of petty theft it is a misdemeanor. However, if the amount stolen is worth $50.00 or less it may be charged as an infraction. If you have three or more priors for petty theft, the next one can be a felony or a misdemeanor. Infractions are punished by a fine. Misdemeanors are punished by up to one year in the county jail and/or up to a $1,000.00 fine. Felonies are punished by sixteen months, two years, or three years in state prison. The normal punishment for first time petty theft is three year's summary probation, a fine, community service, theft classes, and restitution to the victim. Consult with the Public Defender in the court at the time of your arraignment to get the best offer and advice on how to plead.

If you plead guilty, the judge will sentence you. The maximum penalty in Missouri for misdemeanor (under $500) shoplifting is $1,000 fine + 1 year in jail. If you plead not guilty, the judge will set your case for trial and you will have to decide whether to represent yourself at trial or hire an attorney to represent you. Since it doesn't sound like you can prove that you didn't shoplift (it doesn't matter that you forgot about the bracelet and didn't intend to shoplift), you have a high risk of losing at trial and then you will be convicted of shoplifting. Having a shoplifting conviction on your criminal record will prevent you from getting a job, renting an apartment, getting federal student aid, getting a bank loan, etc. I highly recommend that you hire a lawyer to represent you. Your attorney can probably get the shoplifting charge dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense, such as "Littering."

Ask for diversion.

Petty theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and if convicted you can kiss your career aspirations goodbye. Hire a lawyer before you get duped into a plea you will regret for life.

Plead not guilty. You have to intend to steal. You can't shoplift accidentally.

Those are your only two choices. My advice to you is to hire an attorney to help you. He/she may be able to resolve the matter without it becoming a permanent part of your record.

If you hire an attorney, something could possibly be worked out that could have this charge dismissed and expunged (removed) from your record.

No one can ever force you to plead guilty. That is your choice and your choice alone. You should always plead not guilty at your first court appearance or arraignment or else you forfeit your right to negotiate with the prosecutor. Many jurisdictions offer diversion programs for first offenders that will keep the matter off your public record upon successful completion.