My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania
I got caught last month. I'm 19, and honestly, am ashamed of myself. I stole a 25 dollar video game. They stopped me at the door and I cooperated with them, gave the game right back, and gave them all of my information. They had to call the Police to get my SS number because I didn't have my card or Drivers License in with me, they were in my car. They saw that I have a clean record because the Police told them I had no prior offense. I signed a Restricting paper that said that I couldn't return to Wal Mart. After that, they let me go and I was on my way. I missed a certified mail today from the Magistrate today. I have to pick it up on Monday. I just have a few questions.
Could the letter be from Wal Mart? I would only assume that it would say it is from Wal Mart, not the Magistrate.
I know that I will plead Not Guilty to get an Appointed Attorney, but is there any way that I can settle this the first day I have to go to court, or is it just to plead Guilty or not Guilty?
Is there a plea I can make that will let ME settle this on my own with no Attorney? I know that a fine is going to be appointed, and rightfully so, I did wrong.
How likely is jail time, community service, and probation? Remember, this is my first (and last) time. I'm expecting community service, will that clear my record?
And my last 2 questions.
How long would community service last?
How long would probation last?

