Theft of Merchandise; Charged With Burglary in California

My girlfriend and I had the smartest idea to steal about $530 worth of video games from a local electronics depot. We are both 20 years old. She was caught with the games in her purse. She was stopped outside of the store and was brought in. The cop said she "emptied her purse" and wanted to "dump the merchandise." She has been caught by the surveillance cameras. She has been found with a knife she kept in her purse for personal defense reasons because she lives in a squalid, terrible neighborhood. She was booked in a local jail and has been released with $0.00 bail. She has a court date a month from now.

I need help with this issue because I don't want her to do time for my stupid idea. Something for 4-5 games would really be charged this severely? It is her first offense of any kind and might this aid in her problem? We have no money and cannot possibly afford a lawyer. (Hence the theft). I have been informed of having a district attorney. I need some clarity in this matter because it is not comforting for the both of us. :wallbang:

She should work with a lawyer to try to plea bargain to a lesser charge. If she cannot afford a lawyer she should consider requesting a court-appointed lawyer.

The clarity is that criminals are subject to jail and other sanctions.
The fact that you are crooks isn't indicative of your economic status. Video games aren't a necessity of life. If you are truly indigent and unable rather than unwilling to pay for private counsel, ask for a public defender at the first court appearance. Otherwise plead not guilty and keep your mouths shut.

You are in fact guilty as well, and you need to be very careful to avoid felony charges yourself.

Thanks for the replies. Since the post she has two counts: one for petty theft and another for second degree burglary. We will ask for a public defender at her arraignment.

We are quite shaken by this. It doesn't make us feel any better that not one of our family is helping. Could you advise me on the possibilities for her sentence? This is her first time offense and she is a great citizen outside the crime, will this aid her in any way? She served hundreds of hours of community service and is studying to become a Certified Nurse Assistant to aid the sick.