Today I stole a pair of pants that I could have paid for and was apprehended by LP, arrested by the police and released shortly afterward to pay for the pants I stole. It was absolutely a stupid decision but I've been having money issues lately, on top of having to help my mother pay bills and buying a car and I really didn't want to lose 20 more dollars. I told the cop that I felt humiliated and embarrassed and I've never been in trouble for shoplifting before and they offered to show up at the courthouse on my hearing date.
I'm not looking to get out of this. I deserve whatever punishment the judge decides for me. I feel like an idiot and this has been one of the worst days I've had in recent memory. I just turned 18 and I feel like I already have so much on my shoulders, this is only going to make everything worse.
What am I looking at here? Jail time? Fines? Probation? Is it even worth hiring a lawyer? I don't even know if I can afford it. My mom can't help me, she makes less money than I do (she's on disability, not working, and relies on welfare).
Thanks in advance to anyone that answers. I just want to get this taken care of and move onto the 1000 other problems in my life right now.

