Caught Shoplifting at a Wal-Mart in North Carolina

[smc194]

I was caught shoplifting $33 (tax included) at a Wal-mart this afternoon, because I'm good at making responsible choices. Thing is I've been unemployed for a year because of some severely under-treated depression and am currently looking for a job after getting some help. So I have no money, which is why I tried to shoplift in the first place. I also clearly can't afford to start having a criminal record right now. And I'm staying at a friend's after escaping an abusive situation, but all my information is still that address.
I'm such an idiot. I've been trying to rebuild my life and I just shot myself in the foot with a rocket launcher. It's my first offense, but I've read enough horror stories on here. My court date is in a month. I've already emailed a lawyer I found through an actually legit free consultation site. What else should I do? Should I contact the DA? I have no idea.
I know I sound kind of blithe but frankly I'm ****ing terrified and I don't know how much of it's just the mental health crap.

[llworking]

I was caught shoplifting $33 (tax included) at a Wal-mart this afternoon, because I'm good at making responsible choices. Thing is I've been unemployed for a year because of some severely under-treated depression and am currently looking for a job after getting some help. So I have no money, which is why I tried to shoplift in the first place. I also clearly can't afford to start having a criminal record right now. And I'm staying at a friend's after escaping an abusive situation, but all my information is still that address.
I'm such an idiot. I've been trying to rebuild my life and I just shot myself in the foot with a rocket launcher. It's my first offense, but I've read enough horror stories on here. My court date is in a month. I've already emailed a lawyer I found through an actually legit free consultation site. What else should I do? Should I contact the DA? I have no idea.
I know I sound kind of blithe but frankly I'm ****ing terrified and I don't know how much of it's just the mental health crap.

No, you should NOT contact the DA. You should ask for a public defender and talk to no one but that public defender...or the lawyer you contacted if somehow you can hire them.

If this is truly your first offense you may have some options to lessen its impact on your life going forward...but please understand that something like this can NEVER happen again.

[smc194]

Thank you. I've actually contacted two lawyers since the first one I found wasn't quite as local as I'd've liked and I found another one who's practically next door to the courthouse who also does free consultations. He also advertises he does payment plans, so that's probably a good thing.

It really, really is my first offense. Apparently I get to be unlucky on top of being dumber than a box of rocks.

[travelplus]

Please for the love of God don't tell the judge that you shoplifted because you don't have a job and have no money. There are public assistance programs(which I hope you would use lawfully) that can assist you.

Its truly amazing how many people are ashamed to avail to the public assistance programs go and shoplift get a criminal record, need to pay off the fines and do community service. By the time you do all this you could have already started the process to get what you need.

I would retain a public defender at your arraignment. Plead not guilty and ask the judge for a Public Defender.

Be prepared to go to court another time after your arraignment. Do exactly by the book what the judge asks you to do and if he asks you to do probation be damn sure you follow up. If community service has been assigned be sure to document it and have the letter signed that you completed the required hours. (Perhaps volunteering in a homeless shelter or soup kitchen would make you appreciate life more)

- - - Updated - - -

No, you should NOT contact the DA. You should ask for a public defender and talk to no one but that public defender...or the lawyer you contacted if somehow you can hire them.

If this is truly your first offense you may have some options to lessen its impact on your life going forward...but please understand that something like this can NEVER happen again.

Something tells me that this is not the OP's first offense but I'll let you draw your own conclusions.