My question involves criminal law for the state of: new york
Hello, please if you have any idea what is going to happen let me know!
About a week ago, I shoplifting a little under 100$ worth of cosmetics from walmart. And I have previous times as well. I FEEL SO BAD. Im so scared. Anyways, at the door a lady stopped me and asked me to show her inside my bag saying she was an LP officer. I panicked and said no, however I quickly told her my name. (Its hard to spell and I'm not sure if she heard it correctly?) I walked out, and I got into my car. I dont think she saw my license plate however they probably have cameras right?
I haven't heard anything since then. Ive done researched and I'm honestly not sure what to expect. Will I get a court date in the mail? Or do they have no way to find me?
I understand I deserve a punishment. However, I CANNOT have this on my record. I turned 18 a few months ago, I have had a job throughout high school saving for college and I am in the middle of college applications as we speak. If I get anything on my record, I could lose scholarships and financial aid which I desperately need. I've never had anything on my record- not even a speeding ticket. I volunteer for the community, I really haven't done anything like this.
Will I receive a court date? If I do, is there any way I could contact Walmart and beg to drop charges and pay any fees? Or will it be too late after a court date is assigned? If they can't/won't drop the charges and I get a court date, will I have to go to jail? Is there anyway to beg the judge not to put this on my record because of my previously clean record and current situation with college?
Also, I have saved up 3,000$ for college. It isn't much, but it was going to pay the difference of my tuition. If I have a court date, would it be worth it to hire a lawyer? Or would it be useless? I really need that money- if it isn't going to make a big difference hiring a lawyer, id rather not. Please help!

