My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia
Hi, I am a 19 year old full time student and I just went to court today for a petit larceny charge. I have not admitted to anything but the judge just told me that I may have to go to jail for up to a year. I am really scared and this is my first offense for anything. My record is completely clean and I dont know what to do. I cant eat or sleep because of this and my court date is in 2 weeks. Should I get a lawyer and is there anyway to get it off my record? I am studying for Computer Science and I am deathly afraid that I have no future now. I want to have a future and I am afraid I will never be able to get a job again. I feel dead inside because of this and I am tearing up just thinking about it. I thank you everyone sincerely who can just give me a little bit of advice and insight.

