First of all Thank you Aaron for taking the time to read these posts.
About a week ago I was caught shoplifting at a grocery store in Central Ohio and the security person there took my my data off my driver's license. This was after i had tried to deny the act (being ashamed of what i did) and later on revealing what i had in my pocket. The item i wanted to steal is not worth more than $10-$13. Needless to say, this whole experience changed me since it has happened and i feel like i can't enjoy life the way i did before. i'm 26 and this is the first offense. I don't think there's a doubt in anyone's mind that i wanted to steal that since i opened the package and discarded the packaging.
The security officer told me i will hear back from them - probably with a letter in the mail to appear in court. It's been a week and i havent' heard from them, but as you can imagine, i'm dieing to know what i can do.
I guess my questions are - what is guaranteed to happen(in terms of consequences) - jail time, community service,criminal record? And could i (or a perspective attorney) get together with the other party and settle this so it doesn't even go in front of the judge? I know if it will, no good can come out of if. So i keep thinking it's better if it doesn't make it that far. Could we settle with the other party before going in court? Should we try to get ahold of the security officer and make an offer?
The reason i'm thinking this way is because obviously i'd rather keep this as quiet as possible. I guess i'd rather pay a higher monetary reimbursement, than have a criminal record or jail time.
Thanks again for your thoughts.

