I Got Caught Shoplifting. Please Help I Have a Million

[anna2636]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado
I was caught shoplifting today. I honestly don't know what I was thinking. I am a good girl and made the biggest mistake of my life. I have learned my lesson, believe me.
My first question is this: My court date is Sept. 21st. I leave for college (4 hours away) in 3 weeks, so this means I would have to drive 4 hours to go to court. Is there any way I could call, explain my situation, and maybe get the court date changed to during a holiday break or possibly even before I leave for college? I also plan to plead completly guilty to the shoplifting.
My other question is how much will my fine be? On my citation ticket it says theft:under $100. The thing I stole was $25. Any guesses how much my fine will be? Also, the police officer said the store manager is pressing charges.
Please Please help me. I am so so scared. I feel awful and with NEVER EVER do ANYTHING like this again

[Trailboss]

Don't plead guilty, no matter what! If you do, they have nothing left to do but punish you! You would be shooting yourself in the foot...

Plead Not Guilty, this way you have room for a Plea agreement or some type of Diversion, if available in your state. Note: Pleading Not Guilty is not saying "I didn't do it". It is simply equated with you saying "Prove it". It is your constitutional right, and your foolish if you fail to exercise it out of some sense of guilty feeling! There may be some wiggle room to wrangle the charge down if you have a good lawyer.

And you *need* a good lawyer...now, more then ever. Do not plead Guilty. Especially if you have a "clean" record! You want to do everything you can to keep it clean. Not sure about exact fine amount: retail theft allows them to hit you for two or three times the value of what you stole, plus court fees. One of the Colorado experts can tell you what the policy is for that state...

But in the mean time...Do Not Plead Guilty!