First Time Offense Shoplifting at Kohls

[worstdayever]

About 8 hours ago, I was caught shoplifting at Kohl's Dept Store in West Virginia. I am 22 years old, and I work at Macy's.
The LP caught up with me and my mom as we were leaving, because I had spent half the time at the store looking for my mom during which was the time I stole some jewelry (in the amount of $93- retail value). :'( Words cannot express my utter regret of this whole ordeal. Anyways, I went back in the office where I'm sure I had the worst experience of my life, as well as a possible panic attack. I am a political science student, and I've applied for several internships that may involve state or federal background checks next year and I'm so so worried about these repercussions of the case. I've never done anything like this, ever. I don't know what I was thinking! :'( But I'm so nervous about this whole ordeal, and I've been researching for nearly the past two hours and I haven't found a whole lot of information pertaining to the laws for this state. They took me into the office, took my picture, very vague on the consequences as I repeatedly asked them what would happen ...I mean, these people didn't give me any clue as to what to expect. They just called the police, wrote a court summons for sometime in December, and marked the video surveillance and I'm banned from the store.

I have several questions ....
For a first time offense, does it usually end up on my permanent record (I'm really worried about my status because of the nature of my internships) ? Can I call the municipal court and ask to speak to someone about it? Or should I just try to call the legal services office before the court date? If I get convicted, will it interfere with my work at Macy's? or even if I don't, will it? Does the fact that I'm 22 make my situation worse regardless of the fact that it's a first offense of anything ever? The LP mentioned counseling ...if I have proof that I'm receiving counseling before the court date, will that help me?? And I greatly regret all of this ...would it be advisable to write an apologetic letter to the Kohl's corporate office?

I am so so scared. I will NEVER EVER do this again. I don't even know what I was thinking. NEVER AGAIN! :'(


Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[panther10758]

For a first time offense, does it usually end up on my permanent record

Yes

Can I call the municipal court and ask to speak to someone about it?

and ask them what?

Or should I just try to call the legal services office before the court date?

You can because you certainly need legal help

If I get convicted, will it interfere with my work at Macy's? or even if I don't, will it

If Macy's finds out (its likely they will) expect to be terminated

Does the fact that I'm 22 make my situation worse regardless of the fact that it's a first offense of anything ever?

Other than being charged as an adult it makes no difference

The LP mentioned counseling ...if I have proof that I'm receiving counseling before the court date, will that help me??

That is very possible there ar emany excellent programs out there for shoplifters. In fact I have a contact (Director) I work with on occasion with the NASP. PM me and I will give you her email and you can see if they have a program in your area

would it be advisable to write an apologetic letter to the Kohl's corporate office?

You can but since charges have already been filed it wont matter

[worstdayever]

Ok ....thank you so much. I'll contact our legal services for Charleston, tomorrow. I need to get this sorted out with as little repercussions as possible, since I'm probably going to be fired from my job which in turn, is going to cause about 7,000 other problems for me. Oh god, freaking out so much ...but I'll survive, somehow.

Also, I was wondering, do you think offenses such as these will affect my ability to receive financial aid? I never even thought of all of this stuff! So so awful! :'(