My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania
A few days ago I was caught shoplifting at a Kohl’s in Pennsylvania. Two LP people ran out after I had left the store and asked me to come back in and empty the contents of my purse. The woman said that she had seen me in this particular Kohl’s before stealing, and included the cost of the two items I had stole previously with the items I had attempted to take that day. The total cost of the items was right around two hundred dollars. They took my information (Driver’s License, Social Security, address, and a picture), told me to sign a paper stating that I would never enter the store again, and asked me to sign a paper stating that I had in fact stolen. They then told me to expect a letter in the mail stating how much I would owe Kohl’s and said to expect a court summons. I was very compliant with all of their requests.
The police were not called while I was being interviewed by the LP’s (after they calculated the cost of the items they told me I was free to leave), is it possible they were contacted after I left? This is my first offense, is it possible that I may face jail time in Pennsylvania? I can not afford a lawyer will I be assigned a public defender? Are there certain programs, in Pennsylvania, I could volunteer to do in order to not have this on my record (Accelerated Rehabilitation Programs)? Is it true that if you plead guilty in PA that you have no chance of getting the sentenced expunged (but I am clearly guilty so what should I plead)? I’m 22 years old, in college, and truly ashamed about what I’ve done…I would do anything to relive that day.

