Shoplifting at J.C. Pennys

i was caught stealing 175 dollars worth at jcpennys and I am 19 yrs old. This was my first offense of anything. I filled out the police report at the store and jcpennys reports as well, and they let me go from there. The police told me I would have a court date coming in the mail though. All they told me was I would go to court, plead guilty or not guilty, and I would have to pay fines and most likely do community service. I was wondering if you could tell me if a lawyer is necessary and how much help a lawyer would be. Also, do you know about how much the fines may come out to? I am asking this because I have to pay everything on my own. Also, is there anything else that may happen to me, community service, etc?
Additionally, on the police report, they wrote my nj address, however I am a full time student in philadelphia and I wrote my address there on the jcpennys reports which were also given to the police. When sending the court date mail, do you know which address they will send it to?

A lawyer is not necessary, but can be very helpful. A local criminal defense lawyer should be able to estimate your sentence (probably probation, a fine, and possibly community service) and your likely fine and court costs. A lawyer may also help you avoid a conviction, depending upon local sentencing options.

The court will probably send any notices to the address that you gave the police. It's possible that they would use the other address, but is more likely that they would use the address you provided.

I just got my court date sent in the mail, and I have to appear in front of court in 2 weeks. I am not going to have a lawyer present, and I am pleading guilty. I am really nervous, and I was wondering if you could please tell me how I should be prepared before appearing in court. Can you please tell me what the judge will say, and what I am going to need to say in order to lessen my sentencing. Will I need to bring anything with me to court? Also, do you possibly how long they will give me to pay fines? Thank you.

i was just wondering if you went to court and what happened??

If you plea guilty right off the bat you'll get a full sentance thats gonna stick on your record. I wouldn't do that.