My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia
HELP!!! About a week ago I was stopped for shoplifting at Forever 21 with the items totaling about $22. I have never been charged with anything before and I am a good student about to start my 3rd year at college. I would like to know:
1) Whether or not it is critical to have a lawyer?
2) How bad can the charges get?
3) After the trial how long can the whole process take? I start school a few hours away on August 24 and have the trial August 10. Will I have problems starting school on time?
4) If I am required to do community service will it have to be in the county where the crime was commited?
5) How much money am I probably going to end up spending? Considering I hire a lawyer and will I have to pay for the items attempted to be stolen?
6) How easy or difficult would it be to get charges expunged?
Any help/advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

