Iowa Shoplifting Charges

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Iowa
I was caught shoplifting $78 worth of Kohl's clothes. I signed the civil and trespassing documents, and my trial is next Thursday. I am a college student and permanently live in California. What type of punishment am I facing? This is my first offense, and I am over 18. My main concern is whether or not there will be jail time. Also, if I plead not guilty how much will a public defender in Iowa be? Is it even worth it, or should I just plead guilty?

If your next court hearing is your trial, you have already been instructed about the charge and penalty at your arraignment, and you're very late to be thinking about requesting a lawyer. If in fact you're going to trial one week from today, get down to the courthouse and petition for the lawyer.

If you're charged with shoplifting in the fifth degree, the maximum penalty is jail time up to 30 days and a fine between $65 and $650 (plus court costs and assessments). If you're charged with something else, you will need to identify the charge.

Maybe I'm confused then... the shoplifting took place about a week from today, I haven't been instructed on anything, so maybe this is just a court hearing?

It is up to you to figure out what to do. Not up to the cops to tell you.

You need to go get a Public Defender or lawyer....today.