Class A Theft Charge After Stealing from Work

[chayladrew]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Utah

I have recently gotten a class A Misdemeanor theft.
I made a horrible choice and I chose to steal from my previous workplace and now I have court on Friday and I'm terrified about what is going to happen. All I have on my record is a tobacco ticket and a speeding warning. Will I go to jail? I have been honest and understanding with everyone in this situation and I'm willing to pay ll my fines and do community service or even do parole I am just terrified of going to jail.
If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated.

[PTPD22]

Without much more detail, nobody can reliably predict what sentence a judge may impose or what a prosecutor may even ask for. However, since you were only charged with a misdemeanor theft and say you have a clean record, a sentence that includes jail time seems avoidable. You DO need an attorney. An attorney can knowledgably tell you about what diversion programs may be available in your area. You are likely looking at fines, other court costs, some mandatory classes, and a probation period (parole is most commonly used in reference to an early release from a prison sentence).

BTW, thank you for describing your behavior as a "horrible choice" rather than as a "mistake" or other such euphemism. Your willingness to take responsibility for your actions, as indicated by your word choice, is commendable.

[chayladrew]

Thank you for replying so quickly, is there anything I should bring to court that will help me not go to jail that you would recommend? I'm so worried, just the stress of my first time going to court is making me sick and I just want to get it over with already. That choice I made was so not worth anything like this.