About two months ago I was involved in an incident of retail theft.I was at a store with some people I really didn't know that well and this boy didn't have enough money to but something.I wasn't paying attention to him, so I didn't know what was going on.My boyfriend and I were on the other side of the store talking about something completely different.When my boyfriend and I were leavig(I'm already halfway out the door), this boy hands something to me, and says take this.So I just take it (not realizing what just happened until I'm already two feet away from the door).When someone asks you to hold something for them you just automatically take it and hold it for them right?This is what I did.A few feet later he runs up to me, takes the object back, and the owner of the store catches him with it.Later the cop asked me what happened and I'm stupid enough to tell the truth, and now I'm charged with a crime that I think says something about intent, when I didn't intend to take the item.I don't even know if this boy is being punished for any thing, and I don't think its fair.I'm one of those kids that goes out of their way to stay out of trouble.I try my best to stay out of bad situations, and not to do stupid things.But I don't think anyone would beleive my side of the story, even though I'm telling the truth.I mean I'm just a sixteen year old teenager in a society where teenager are stereotypyed just because they're younger than adults and smarter than children.Is there anything I can do to keep my record clean?I don't want any trouble, and I'm worried this will affect my chances of getting into collage and getting a job.We have ten days from now to reply to a letter talking about a bunch of things I could do (like community service)to stop a petition.I don't even know what a petition is.This is my first offense, and I really don't want a record.And I don't want have to do any kind of program because I already have too much to handle as it is, and I don't want any more stress.I already have to go to a therapist as it is.What can I do?

