Help With A Shoplifting Charge

[watergirl45]

Hi I live in Florida and made the biggest mistake yesterday.
I shoplifted at Kohl's, it was my first and LAST time. I got caught and I am being fined by Kohl's. They also called the police and I have a court date in a month. The items came to $135. I am so scared and I don't know what to do, I have a clean record. What is going to happen to me when I go to court? I don't have the money for a lawyer, I just want to say I'm guilty and get it over with and hopefully be able to get it off of my record. Does anyone know what happens when its a first time? I will NEVER do it again that's for sure.

[Mouser]

No previous record? Did not have burglary tools on you?

Then you will be charged and penalized as follows: petty theft misdemeanor; court fine (about 500-650), court restitution fee (100),
community service (30 or so hours), 1-2 years summary probation.

After yoyr probation ends, you will be able to get your record expunged with the help of an attorney.

[watergirl45]

no I did not have burglary tools, I didn't go in there planning to steal anything it just happened. I was told I might be able to do some kind of diversion program, do I need an attorney for that because I don't have the money for one. I just want to put this behind me and forget about it. I'll pay whatever fine and do the community service but I want it off of my record or I will not be able to get a new job. Also does anyone know if it goes on your record right away or after your court date because my boyfriend and I are about to rent a townhouse and they do background checks and I don't want to lose the townhouse.

[panther10758]

If you cannot afford an Attorney request a public defender. Then when you meet with Public Defender ask him/her about Diversion and if availalbe. Diversion often times meets conviction requirments but once you complete program no conviction appears on your record. Diversion programs vary and are not available everywhere so talk to your Attorney

[watergirl45]

how do you go about getting a public defender and does it cost anything?

[seniorjudge]

how do you go about getting a public defender and does it cost anything?

When you go to court, ask for a public defender.

The court will examine your assets and income to see if you qualify.

Some states allow a public defender at a reduced rate if you do not qualify for a totally free one.

[watergirl45]

can I go before my court date and see about getting a public defender?

[watergirl45]

also does anyone know if it goes on your record before or after your court date

[panther10758]

You may call the court and ask if you can seek PD before court. Far as record goes you have an arrest record but thats it for now.

[watergirl45]

What happens if I can't get a public defender or an attorney, what do I say in court? Do I say I'm guilty and ask about a diversion program. Is there any way possible a judge might not do anything because I have a clean record? What would be the best possible thing to say for that to happen? I am not trying to get out of it I just know that I made a huge mistake and have no intentions of doing it again, I just don't want this to affect the rest of my life.