Need For Attorney? Shoplifted At Macy's And Set For Court

I got caught shoplifting at Macy's today, in New York. I got arrested, fingerprinted, and got a ticket for a court date in about a week's time. The officer there said that there was probably no need for an attorney at that court date, and that I should plead not guilty. Of course, I don't know if I would be willing to trust him. He was nice and all, but still. Should I call an attorney? What normally happens when you go to court? I'm 21 years old, never been in trouble before, in college with more grad school already set for the future. I'm scared.

Yes you need an Attorney you are facing criminal charges and criminal record

The officer was right, you should plead not guilty, whether or not you get an attorney is up to you, you should if you can afford it. If not, show up to court, plead not guilty and request a public defendant, it won't be as good as an attorney, but it'll be at little or no charge.

I'm going to meet with an attorney today. Should he/she come with me to my court date? I really don't know how any of this works :/

If you hire him/her yes

I'll keep this updated in case anyone in NY ever gets busted at Macys.

I met with an attorney who seems to know exactly what he's doing, and has been doing it for a long time. Says that since it's a first time thing and based on how much I stole, things should hopefully work out in the direction of community service + some shoplifting class + a fine, maybe.

My note to everyone doing the ::headdesk:: after getting caught: find an attorney, like everyone here has been saying, if you can afford it. It will put you at so much ease, since I have taken, oh, zero law/history classes and have no idea what would be going on otherwise.

Did your Attorney mention if you would have a criminal record or not?

He said there should not be a cause for concern that I would have a criminal record, but he did warn that he could not guarantee the outcome of the case.

Then this is not best possible deal. Did he or you mention Diversion?

He said, off the bat, that I wouldn't be going to jail, I wouldn't have a criminal record, that the most I would have to do is community service, a class, and possible fines. This is my first time ever in trouble, so I believe that's what he's basing it on. I believe the class he was talking about is the diversion that has been brought up here, but to tell you the truth, I was with my dad and totally crying because I'm a total numbnuts, so I might have missed something he said. Heh. He is coming with me to my arraignment.

I think he just mentioned the last bit just in case. Much like a physician might tell an tonsillectomy patient that they'll be just fine, but just in case, there could be a complication. Because he never knows, I suppose. But the attorney was very knowledgable, composed, and reassuring.

Wigs- are you referring to me, or panther? :O haha! I just noticed that a lot of people have brought their issues here, but have not followed up with a thorough explanation of their resolution- I just want to help out anyone who might be in a similiar, truly idiotic, position.