I live in pennsylvania and was caught shoplifting at a local JcPennies. The police were called to check and see if I had a record. I do not, so loss prevention didn't have the police officer arrest me. He just left, no citation or anything. The loss prevention officer took a picture of me and had me sign two separate pieces of paper. I do not know what I signed. Like alot of other people here this was my first time and I was very frantic. He told me that I should let the courts always know my address incase I move because it would take about a year before I would hear from the courts regarding a hearing. The total merchandise was around 220.00 and they said I would be charged with a felony misdemeanor.
Is that normal, I would have expected a sooner court date?
I received the civil demand letter about a month ago and against my attorneys wishes I am paying it. They were the victum of my carelessness and they do deserve compensation from me.
I know I did something terribly wrong and I am getting help to see what the reasons are for something very outside my character. I would like to get a court date asap and get this taken care of. Is this year long court date normal for JcPennies in the state of pa?
Thanks for any answers you could provide.

