im in nj and received a disorderly persons charge for employee theft totalling $168.00. i am guilty and planned to plead as such. i want to return the items, pay restitution and get this behind me.
this is my first ever criminal offense. what would be my best course of action? would pleading not guilty open me up to more problems, or would a court go easier on someone who admits their wrong-doing upfront?
in general, what kind of punishment can i expect?
my 1st court appearance (answering summons) is on the 18th. even though i plan to plead guilty, should i bring an attorney with me when i enter my plea?
could i still enter some type of pre-trial intervention with a guilty plea?
thank you very much.

