Petty Theft and Underage Drinking

[flingrot]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania


I was recently out with group of friends, and made a few decisions that, in retrospect, were irresponsible. I am under the age of 21, and we consumed several alcoholic beverages. A friend (who was sober) drove us to a local wawa, where I gave in to peer pressure and shoplifted a $1.89 pack of eggs. We left the store and sat in the car in the paring lot. Several minutes later, the police arrived and confronted us. I was honest with them, and was very polite. Several of us were breathalyzed, and I blew a .14. We were taken to the station and booked.

I received my citation today, and was wondering what my options are. I have never been arrested or cited for anything, and attend a very respectable college. I would consider myself a fairly straight edge student. The charges are as follows:

18 S 6308 SS A (Lead) Purch Alcoh Bev By A Minor
18 S 3929 SS A1 (Lead) Retail Theft-Take Mdse

I now face the decision of pleading guilty or not guilty. I was wondering what I should plea, and what my chances in court are. I am also aware that an underage drinking charge involves losing a drivers license for 30 days, but I also have my pilots license, and was wondering if that would be affected. Thank you very much.

[Mr. Knowitall]

If you plead guilty you will be convicted and sentenced.

Consult a local lawyer about your options, including whether you might qualify for deferral or diversion on one or both of the charges. By having two charges against you, your situation becomes a bit more complicated in that respect.