First Time Shoplifting, Class 1 Misdemeanor

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Arizona

I got caught stealing an $8 ring from the mall- there is a story, but I doubt anyone cares. They caught me, I admitted to stealing it, and returned it right away. I offered to pay for it, and the officer who came to speak with me asked if I could just pay and then they would forget the whole thing, but the girl said that their company policy wouldn't allow that. They wrote me up, took my fingerprint, and now I have a court date in a week. What should I do now? When I go to court, I'm planning on pleading guilty, but would that be best? What is the punishment- how much will I have to pay? I am 18, so legally an adult. I have never been caught stealing before, it's my first time and I'm scared and nervous. Please help me.

Plead not guilty. Ask for a public defender. Ask the PD about a first time offenders program.

Expect court costs and fines; a fee for the public defender; fees for a first time offenders program; and the store will be sending a Civil Demand letter with more fees. That $8 ring will cost you over $1000....

Oh please tell me it's not that severe....I don't have that kind of money.

In Arizona, if they send you a Civil Demand it will be for $250. plus $8.00. Pretty expensive ring.

In Arizona, generally, you only qualify for a Public Defender if your are truly indigent and are facing possible jail time. This means the prosecutor has to indicate they are seeking jail time in your case. From what you described - this is unlikely. So the chances of your receiving a Public Defender is very slim.

Notice I said "generally" as the Public Defender requirements can differ from county to county.

sorry, but it is that severe.

Civil Demand: $250.00
Court Costs and Fines: Expect $300+
First Time Offenders Program, Community Service, AntiShoplifting Class, Supervised Probation - you can get 1, 2, 3, or all 4....and they cost $300-400 each.

Shoplifting is expensive.....

Okay, what should I say when I go to court? Do I need to hire an attorney?

A lawyer is a good idea. Consult with one, and see what can be offered to you.

In court, plead NOT GUILTY.

I contacted a lawyer, he estimated that it would cost $1200-$1500 not including court fees. I do not have that kind of money. What can I do now?

When you go to court, plead NOT GUILTY and ask for a public defender.

Depending on the court, you may be given a public defender automatically to handle the arraignment ONLY; that's how it worked for me, but in my case he was overworked, handling several dozen arraignments at a time, so you may need to specifically ask for or ask him to ask for a public defender.