What does your ability to "see if there were people" have to do with your ability to use your phone, or to tell your friend, "You're stealing, and I want nothing to do with this"?
Should we infer, then, that after your attempt to "see if there were people", you chose not to separate from your friend, chose not to call anybody, and chose to walk out with your friend knowing that she was in the process of stealing the item she removed from the packaging?Quoting mellllaf
When you and your friend were caught, did you accuse her of stealing without your participation? Did she say anything in your defense?
What you will want to do is speak with a criminal defense lawyer about the availability of diversion programs or deferred sentencing in your county, and whether or not you qualify. You will want to look for a way to avoid a criminal conviction. You can discuss with your lawyer the chances of prevailing at trial, in the event that you decide not to enter into a plea bargain.Quoting mellllaf
Your friend may not be completely off the hook -- she may get summoned to juvenile court.

