My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington
Hello, I live in Washington State and 3 days ago I was caught shoplifting at a department store. I know it doesn't matter to anyone and that most will just see me as 'a thief' and it's an awful thing to do and there's no excuse, I know, I agree with you, but this IS completely out of character for me and I feel absolutely HORRIBLE and WRETCHED & GUILTY over this, I'm not an everyday criminal, and am normally a completely law abiding citizen. There's a lot to the story and my situation, mental health, current life stressors etc...but I'll stick to the facts.
The only other time I've ever been in trouble besides a traffic infraction was 5yrs ago. It was for the exact same crime, at a different store. I had never been in any kind of trouble before that and was extremely genuinely remorseful, I hated myself for it. It happened under the same mental circumstances I'm in right now, with the same life stressors, depression and other issues etc etc...and the state at that time gave me a deferred adjudication, I payed my court fines and had no charges or other problems for a year and after that the case was dropped and done away with. I don't know why I made this STUPID mistake and did this STUPID HORRIBLE thing again, I know that both times I've done this I was extremely depressed and under a lot of stress, and hurting financially very badly. Even though the case was dismissed last time I know that the state will obviously still see on my record that this is my 2nd offense, and I am scared to death!
I'm a mother of three children, a mom who takes care of her kids every day. In every way other than these two very serious STUPID MISTAKES I've made in my life I'm just your average every day wife, mom & citizen. And before someone says 'you made a choice it's NOT a mistake' I'll point out to you the definition of the word MISTAKE: 'An action or jusgment that was misguided or wrong'. This action wa misguided, and very wrong. I'm just wondering if I can get ANY idea of what I might be looking at as far as punishment for this, it being a 2nd offense?? Is there ANY way possible anyone thinks the court/prosecutor might take it somewhat easy on me? I'm sure they won't offer me another deferred adjudication... I know no one can tell me exactly what will happen, I'm just scared to death of jail time.
I have three children and my husband works 7 days a week I need to be with my kids. They are my life. I've screwed up badly I know, but I'm a damn good mother who loves her children. I'm just wondering if there are any attorneys or people whove seen a similar case or situation before, if anyone has seen a second offense similar to this, and the person been given just fines, probation, community service?? All of the above with required counseling or classes for shoplifting issues?? Before this even happened I was seeking help, I go to counseling twice a week, I see my psychiatrist once a month.
Can anyone give me any insight at all? I do have a consult with an attorney scheduled in two days, to see what advice I can get. But I have no money to retain him. If I end up needing an attorney to defend me I'll have to get a court appointed one. Can ANYONE offer me ANY advice or insight on my situation?? Please, any info or advice or information AT ALL, other than "get an attorney"? Thank you very much for any info you can provide me. And I know it's easy to be quick to judge, and give me the advice 'don't steal you loser' I know that, no one is more angry at me than I am at myself, trust me. So any kind information or advice or personal knowledge or experience, especially if you have this knowledge of Washington State, would be appreciated, thank you so very much.

