I was caught today for retail fraud in michigan at meijer for 2nd degree. at the time they found $67 worth of stuff in my purse. he asked me if i had stolen from there before and i admitted to 2 other times (i was worried they would look at the cameras) and it was estimated to be about $150 previously (now looking back i realize this was reeeeally stupid) but i was trying to be truthful hoping it would help me in the long run, not. i signed papers admitting to what i stole and the amounts. i have to pay $251 in civil to meijer in 30 days and they are mailing me about the court procedures. i am 20 years old and am in college. i really have no money for any of this but can pay this civil myself. i don't want to have to tell my parents but in reading other posts it says it's really beneficial to get a lawyer, well, my dad is a lawyer. the only thing is, they are going to be reeeeeeeeeeeeeally pissed. i want to know if there's any way to do this on your own and what i should plead. also, i am looking into the hyta law but can you do that on your own? when do you ask for it? i've never been to court before, this is my first time doing anything other than getting a speeding ticket.
thanks for all the help.

