I'm a student on campus, and I had a really long week. Two big projects due, a huge tournament coming up, lots of registration and red tape for setting up the tournament, power failed in my apartment, heat isn't working in my room, etc.
So I was stressed, spacey and cranky. I was in the campus store, and I wanted to buy a mug and 2 highliters. Since I didn't have class for another hour, I sat down in this little open cafe area and worked on my homework, putting the mug and highliters in front of me so I could pay for it on my way out. I lost track of time, and rushed to put all my stuff into my bag, including the mug and highliters(i was using one of them since i was going to pay for it on my way out). Being spacey and hurried, I left the store quickly to make my next class. Before I could leave, a security guard approached me and called campus police on me. Since I am a student, they didn't make a criminal arrest. Instead, they referred me to the Judicial Administrator.
I expect to leave without a scratch--although it looks sketchy, I know that I did not intend to do anything wrong. But, since I know sh** happens, if they decide that I am guilty, do you know what kind of penalties I'll be facing? Will my penalties be mitigated since I'm talking to the JA? The officer mentioned community service and fines. Any idea how much the fines would be? I am a first time offender, and I "stole" $15 of stuff according to the security guard.
Oh, and I should add, after talking to campus police and whatnot, I went back in to buy the mug and highliters like I initially intended to. The original ones in my bag were taken away for evidence. I took new ones. I don't know what that does for me, but I'm trying to underline that I did indeed mean to obtain these objects when I came into the store.

