I am 18 years old and I stole 2 items valued at around $98 dollars from an Ulta in Delaware (I told you the state just in case you are familiar with DE laws). I have absolutely no prior records. My record was completely clean before this and I had never even attempted to steal anything before and I know it was sooo stupid and I'll never forget how big of a mistake I have made. But I definitely learned from it and I'll never shop lift again. (I wish I had researched the punishments before I did it)
But anyway, my arraignment is on July 14 and I have a few questions.
If anyone knows anything about DE laws, please let me know what a common punishment for shop lifting is.
My main question is: should I plead guilty or not guilty at my arraignment? The cop who arrested me (he was very nice and understanding of my dumb mistake) told me I should plead not guilty and ask for a public defender so I can try to get something he called a PBJ (probation before judgement). But I read some where that 2 girls were caught shoplifting and one of them pleaded guilty and got community service and a fine, and the other pleaded not guilty, went to court where the store showed tapes of her shop lifting and she was penalized with 6 days in jail. I don't want that to happen to me. What do you suggest? I just want this whole thing to be over with, which is making me lean towards just pleading guilty.

