I Was Charged with Petty Theft But Was Not Arrested

[Fate]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida.

I just 18 a few weeks ago, and I did something so stupid it morally haunts me. I've lost weight, can't sleep. I'm feeling Godly sorrow for what I did and I pray that God can forgive me. I stole $35 worth of stuff at Walmart, two items. I felt so bad I gave it up right alway. The cops did not arrest me, instead they called the sheriff if they could give me a court date instead. We then had to have the Walmart managers agree, thankfully they showed mercy and did. They also did not kick me out of the store. My questions are, what will happen to me at my arraignment date? I'm so terrified, I've never been in any trouble, I'm a straight A student, I will be graduating with honors, and I've been accepted to a private out of state college with a scholarship. I'm so afraid of losing all of that. I cry myself to sleep every night , because of the guilt. I've more than learned my lesson. Is there any chance of getting it dismissed? The officers knew I wasn't a bad person just did a stupid mistake, they felt bad for me, and mentioned PTI, but I'm afraid that will affect college. That is my biggest concern is college, I am suppose to be leaving sometime in July. I don't want my future ruined because of this one terrible mistake. Also, my arraignment will be in April, what do need to do for that? Please any guidance or advice, would truly be appreciated thank you.

[Taxing Matters]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida.

My questions are, what will happen to me at my arraignment date?

The arraignment is where the court advises you of the charges against you and asks for you to enter your plea. In general you should plead not guilty at the arraignment unless you have been otherwise advised by your own lawyer. Pleading not guilty perserves your options to either negotiate a plea agreement or to contest the matter at trial. Note that a plea of not guilty is not the same as asserting you are innocent. Instead, it is simply putting the state to the task of proving your guilt. The judge might also set bail at this hearing as well. If you need a lawyer and cannot afford one, contact the public defender office for the county in which this will take place to find out how to apply. A number of them have websites that should have the basics on that for you. You’ll find a listing of the public defenders here: Florida public defenders.

As for getting the charge dismissed outright, well, that seems unlikely since you seemed to have confessed already to the offense, giving the state a good case to pursue against you. But perhaps there will be some kind of diversion or deferred judgment option available that would keep this from becoming a criminal conviction against you. Ask your lawyer about that.