Third Degree Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan.

I was caught shoplifting in Kohl's, and I am 18 years old. The total was $48. I was taken to the police station where I was fingerprinted and given a ticket with the date I am supposed to appear in court. I was caught once before in a local grocery store when I was 17 and the police came, but I was not taken to the station and I did not have to pay a fine. I have spoken to a lawyer who said I should plea not guilty. I am wondering if this is the best thing to do and would like to know what could happen to me in terms of jail time, community service, probation, etc. I am so scared.. please help me..

It depends what court you are going to appear in. Michigan has a strong amount of variance. Listen to your lawyer.

The ticket I received says this is my first misdemeanor. Does this mean the incident when I was 17 is not on my record? Does this influence my case?

While the ticket may say First Demeanor....you best be honest with your lawyer as to the first offense. Because your lawyer will be a little pissed off out own that you have a prior offense.

Get yourself into an Anti-Shoplifting class. This is a habit with you....you don't want to mess up your life by repeating this pattern. And as an adult, you will find this 2nd incident will wreak Hell on your life. For a good example of what I mean by that - you won't be working retail. You may get a job at McD's, if you are lucky. Your college plans may be destroyed.

Since you are 18, your parents do not have to help you. If they do, that's great, but they should not go to court with you.

You can expect court costs and fines. Civil Demand from the store or it's lawyers. Cost of a lawyer....I hope that $48 was worth the $2500 it can cost you. And since you are an adult, it will be on your record for 5 years before you can expunge it (which will cost money); and 7 years in the National Theft DataBase.