What Happens if You're Caught Shoplifting While Pregnant

[qwaspolk69]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Connecticut.
I am 19 years old and 7 months pregnant. Never have I been in trouble like this before. It was extremely out of character and impulsive. I got caught shoplifting and it's larceny 6th. They charged me with interfering with an officer and possession of a shoplifting device as wel.I am so scared, I give birth in 3 months and have job interviews lined up for me. I also started to go to therapy to discuss my impulsive behavior and fix it. My court date is in a few weeks but the waiting is stressing me and my unborn child out. I can't eat or sleep. WHAT CAN I DO? What are the chances they will dismiss the charges? I CANNOT afford an attorney. I will ask for a public defender when I go to court. But what can I do? I really made a huge mistake and have never done anything like this before. I don't want a criminal record.
And YES me being pregnant is a factor because I would NEVER have done anything like this before and HAVE NEVER done anything like this before. Before I get the negative comments, please keep in mind this is OUT OF CHARACTER and I'm going to therapy and was told I have bipolar tendencies that may have contributed to the impulsive risky behavior. I need ADVICE not judgement.

Yes we get it that you're 19 and pregnant. No one cares. Also you don't know what is stressing the fetus. You really don't. Perhaps what you can do is talk to the therapist about stress reduction techniques.

If you didn't want a criminal record you shouldn't have shoplifted. It's that simple.

OMFG you're blaming this on your pregnancy????? I was pregnant - I never shoplifted. Millions of women in the world get pregnant and don't shoplift. Pregnancy doesn't make someone become a criminal.

Who told you that you're bipolar? You haven't gone to a psychiatrist yet. SO anyone who told you that wasn't likely a licensed therapist.

You're not getting negative comments. You're getting truthful responses. You broke the law.

Don't talk to anyone but a lawyer. Yes you can ask for a PD but you have to qualify to be assigned one.

Also read the disclaimer at the bottom of the page. You can't get legal advice here.

[Highwayman]

I’m sorry, but pregnancy does not make women suddenly start taking up shoplifting

Nor does it allow you to avoid being sent to jail or prison.