First Time Offense for Retail Theft Charge in Utah

[homiek96]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Utah

Just last night I was caught shoplifting at a Macys in Utah. The item I attempted to steal was $14.50. I put the item in my bag and walked out only to be met up with someone from LP. I was taken to the room and was given papers for a civil demand. I ended up paying $300 plus $14.50 for the stolen item in the store that night. My picture was taken and I cannot be on any Macys property for the next 3 years. After I paid the civil demand a police officer was called and cited me for a Class B misdemeanor for retail theft. I was fingerprinted and told to call the number on the citation to schedule a time for my court date on September 25. I was then released and went home.

This was my first offense for retail theft. I am 18 and have never been involved with anything dealing with the cops. LP and the officers said that I cooperated well and that will help me in court. My questions are as followed:

1. What is the usual fine/sentence/or jail time for this type of situation? What will I be facing?
2. When I get to court, do I plea guilty or not guilty?
3. I do not have any money to hire an attorney and don't think this will qualify for a court appointed attorney/public defender. How will that affect me?
4. I am moving to Hawaii in one week and will not be able to come back to Utah to the court date on September 25. Are court dates easy to reschedule? Can I solve this issue without physically being in court?

Hopefully this all makes sense, I am new to all of this legal talk. I would appreciate any response to help answer some of these questions. Thank you so much!

[Mr. Knowitall]

Given your plan to move, you should promptly consult a criminal defense lawyer about your possible options, including the possibility of a conditional dismissal or reduction of the charge to an infraction such that you don't get a criminal record. If you want to leave the state for Hawaii in a week, and don't want to be buying expensive plane tickets to return to Utah for future criminal proceedings, you need to get legal help to try to resolve your charge before you leave.