Shoplifting and Retail Fraud

My question involves criminal law for the state of: MD and VA

My sister was caught shoplifting in VA with $600 worth of merchandise about 2 weeks ago, she has a Lawyer and since this is her first offense he stated she may get it lowered to a misdemeanor and maybe probation or community service, her court date is in April. This was considered grand theft since the total was over $250, she is 41 years old. Her court dates is in April. This was the first problem.

The second problem is my sister lives in MD and works at a retail store. She was caught today and arrested for retail return fraud. Of course I am upset because my sister has never done anything crazy like this until recently because she is in debt and desperate. She has a husband and 2 kids and lives in a beautiful single family home. I am at my wits end wondering if she could go to jail now that this refund fraud has popped up.

My question is because these are both first time offences and she did both crimes at the same time, is it possible she will go to jail because of the additional retail refund charge in MD?

She needs to be working closely with her lawyer. We can't make any promises about what will or will not happen, or whether she'll be able to work out deals without the courts in the other state figuring out that she's a repeat offender.

My sister served 30 days in Jail in VA for the shoplifiting charge and the felony was lowered to a misdemeanor. In MD my sister got probation for refund fraud totaling $4000. This was also lowered to a misdemeanor and she got 2 years probation and community serve. I am relieved!

Just wanted to give the outcome for those who are interested

Jail time for shoplifting in VA does not suprise me at all.