Shoplifted, First Crime - What are the Consequences

[Mandy20PT]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: I was caught shoplifting.an under cover secuirty officer was following me around the store. not knowing this i took a few items. i knew i was wrong but i felt so awful not having a gift for a few family members. i just buried a family member and had no money whatsoever. the total came out to $80. which at the time i did have $100 on me but i had the money to pay my last 2 bills. I was horrified bcuz i hadmy youngest child w/ me. The officer told me i should have gone to jail but since it was the holidays and he didn't want to hand my child over to cps he would let me go but i had to appear in court in 14 days. I'm so ashamed of what i did and haven't told anyone in my family. When i go to court what will happen to me???
I've never been in trouble w/ the law with the exception of a ticket for running a red light when i was 17. i am now 22 and have no clue what it going to happen to me. Do i need a lawyer??

[panther10758]

Yes you need a Lawyer you are facing criminal charges and record. Once you meet iwth Attorney ask about Diversion and if its available

[Mandy20PT]

like i said this is my first time being in trouble. I don't even know where to begin.......

[panther10758]

You begin by consulting Attorneys.

[Mandy20PT]

What exactly do i do. go through the yellow pages and tell every attourney what i have done?
If i show up to court by myself will i be digging my own grave?
the officer didn't really explain anything. he just told me to call the number on the back of the ticket and make sure i get to court in 14 days....

[panther10758]

What exactly do i do. go through the yellow pages

Yes

and tell every attourney what i have done?

No you ask if they offer free consultaion. If they do you set a day and time. Then tell your story. No wit would be good to give some of story but save the entire ordeal for consultation

If i show up to court by myself will i be digging my own grave?

Yes

the officer didn't really explain anything. he just told me to call the number on the back of the ticket and make sure i get to court in 14 days....

Which is all he was required to do

[Mandy20PT]

I did call the number on the back of the ticket and they said i wasn't even in the system to try calling a week later. I asked her if i needed an attorney and she said i could get one but since it is my first offense and it was $80 then i could talk to the prosector that day of.
i'm sorry i don't mean to sound rude but your pretty much just giving me a yes or no answer and it doesn't help much.

[cyjeff]

What would you like?

Dr. Phil, this isn't.

Your best chance of keeping it off your record is via the services of an attorney.

[panther10758]

I did call the number on the back of the ticket and they said i wasn't even in the system to try calling a week later. I asked her if i needed an attorney and she said i could get one but since it is my first offense and it was $80 then i could talk to the prosector that day of.
i'm sorry i don't mean to sound rude but your pretty much just giving me a yes or no answer and it doesn't help much.

I answered what you asked! Regardless of what clerk told you you need an Attorney. This Attorney is familar with sentencing options. You are not!