My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington
I will first start off by saying what i did is the stupidest thing ever, and I have yet to understand why i even did it, I cant even answer that question and i have spent the past weekend obsessively thinking about it.
a long story short: I went into a Ross and went in with the intention to shop, literally never thought i would steal, never have, and clearly never will. I bought about 80$ of merchandise, but before this, i went to the accessories area and saw scarves that were very appealing, i liked 4 of the colors and grabbed all of them. I went back to the area where i was looking for a photo album (which i did end up buying) and while i was back there, i dont know what got in me..how i even thought of doing this, but i put the 8$ scarves in my purse. Why i did it..God knows, my brain is so confused and blurry i HONESTLY cant answer this question. The craziest part is, i went up and paid for everything else, which like i stated, added to 80$. Why wouldnt i just steal the more expensive things and not the cheap ones; this is a question i myself cant explain, and it goes to show you just how weird this was. I had ALL my id on me, including social security card, all school id's, personal pictures, everything! i had NO INTENTION of stealing, never in my life have i even gotten the least bit in trouble. NEVER.
I am 22 years old. I am working at a law firm (irony i know) I am registered to take the LSAT in dec. and am applying for law school 2nd time around. I was an honor student at school, i mean the list goes on, but i know what you're thinking, if you're so smart, why steal?
I was leaving the door, and the LP guy asked me to go back with him. I started crying and shaking to where he had to try to calm me down. I told me what i jjust told you, couldnt answer why i did it, and explained to him all thats going for me. He said he HAD to prosecute me, but if i was willing to confess my wrongddoings, esp to the police (which came 1 hr later) that things would be easier for me. So i listened. I told the police the same thing i posted here, and i kept saying sorry and was crying and saying how stupid i am. He said 'the smart ones are the ones that know its stupid'. When the police left, the LP guy told me "dont plead guilty when you go to court, jjust ask for a deferred sentence, they will give it to you, im sure of it".
I left crying, and shaking, and depressed, almost suicidal. I dont know what i was thinking, I am in debt and dont have any money to pay for any legal service, and am too ashamed to tell a single person abt the wrongdoings. THe lp guy kept saying 'i know you're a good person, i really do' and then he gave me his cell number saying if i had any questions, contact him. I then called him afterwards and apolgoized, and asked to explain to me again what i should do; i had never been in trouble, i needed some advice, i couldnt even breathe. He called back after i left a voice message and said that I can meet him at the Ross parking lot to talk. I did this a few days later, and he said that he wishes he never had to prosecute me, he knows im a good person, and he wishes i didnt do that, and that everyone makes mistakes. He seems so nice and undersatnding. I told him cant i just pay you guys the fines, and from my research ross can drop charges. I have SO much that was going for me in the legal field, and now after this on my records, i will not have anything. I am also really depressed and feel like i dont even want to live with all these difficulties ahead of me.
He told me since i was already prosectued, that Ross already got cops involved that day, they cant do that. But then i read something about a 'civil compromise'. Since he seems to be willing to help, and realizes i am not a typical 'theif' and that clearly i am regretful and would never do this, can you please tell me what options he has that he can work out a deal with me without taking this to court? if i know exact facts i can present to him, maybe he can help me.
If that is not possible, what is my best bet as far as court? I know i am guilty, even if i plead not guilty, im sure he has my voice mails i left him crying and saying sorry and asking for help. I am very very poor and in debt, i HAD so much going for m, and im really dpressed and sad and i have no one to turn to, no one that would ever accept this behavior, my parents would literally disown me. no jjoke. I come from a very religious chrisitan family. What should i say in court? i am willing to do community service, willing to be on probation, as i know i wont get in trouble again, i will do anything just dont want 1. jail (gosh the thought of that really makes me wanna die) 2. criminal records..whats the point of continuing studying for lsats when no school would accept a criminal and no law firm/bar would accept a criminal.
i know this is long, and i am really sorry, but please please please i beg for any help, advice. i have never felt so regretful in my life, never felt so sorry, and most of all never felt so confused. i dont even want to go grocery shopping, im that parranoid..i really need help. please. give me advice.

