My question involves criminal law for the state of: Minnesota.
Hi there, I really need some advice. I am terrified and ashamed to admit this but I am 7 months pregnant and made a very bad choice to shoplift kohls. I attempted to steal
$525 worth of items. It is my first offense and I honestly cannot explain what possessed me to do it! My husband
Couldn't believe it and was very confused since that is so out pf character for me. I'm the person who will return a $20 bill to someone who drops it and*I would NEVER take anything from someone's home or my work or anything like that. I am a good person that made a very bad mistake! There's no excuse for my actions and I could blame it on hormones or the fact that I needed excitement but bottom line what I did was wrong. My question is, I was extremely honest and forthcoming with the arresting officer and store detective. I fully cooperated and admitted everything. I could have paid for all the items and offered! That wasn't accepted*however. The police officer who arrested me was very kind and took me to his office instead of to*the county jail. He didn't even cuff me even though it was an arrest. I was charged with a gross misdemeanor and was told I will recieve a court summons in the mail and sent home. What happens now! I am TERRIFIED of going to jail for this and I know I potentially could! Will I? Is there*a class I can take or a way to get this dismissed? Also what can I do to be proactive? I don't want any more sleepless nights waiting for the summons. But the officer told me i have to wait for it and then will know my charges! I am fully guilty and made that clear to him.*Should I hire an attorney? Can an attorney even do anything before I receive the summons? We can't really afford that with baby on the way but will if it's necessary. When should I do something? I've never been in this situation and have no idea how it works. I'm grateful i was caught to ensure I NEVER DO IT AGAIN, but I am terrified of my consequences and what it will do to my growing family. Can anyone shed some light on this or me? Thank you thank you. (also, do these things land in the local paper? I live in a suburb of a major city)

