I write this both to give a description of court to those of you waiting for your turn, and as a deterrent for anybody thinking about stealing.
I live in Idaho, and am a 23 year old college senior with no priors.
I stole $8.48 worth of food from a local grocery store in July, and had a court date earlier this month.
I was sentenced to 150 days in jail, 145 suspended-meaning I spent 5 days in a real jail.
I paid $258 in civil restitution, $300 fines, $75 in court costs, and $75 for a community service program.
I have a criminal record and a criminal's conscience.
Think shoplifting is "no big deal?" That it's only "$25 worth of stuff?" Spend 5 days in jail, and you'll think again. Or when you're denied jobs.
Just a heads up.

