I was caught shoplifting yesterday in a Michigan K-Mart. I don't know what to do. I'm 19 and this was my first offense, I only stole about $35 worth of merchandise and I can't afford an attorney or even to pay fines and court costs. I know what I did was wrong and I can't even begin to describe how sorry and remorseful I am. I'm a good student and I was planning on applying to transfer from my community college to a university before the year was out, but now I'm afraid to send in my applications because I will have to admit to have a pending criminal suit.
I want to know what kind of sentencing I'm looking at? I'm hoping that because the amount I stole was so small and it was my first time and because I cooperated with the police and the LPs that I will be able to get the sentence deferred or diverted.
What about court costs? Will they accept small payments? I don't have a job and I don't think I will be able to pay up $350 in restitution to the store let alone court fees.
And how long will it take for this to be over? The police and the LP said that that I would be getting a letter for my court date in the mail but when? The waiting is already starting to get to me. I really just want this to be over as soon as possible and I don't want it to be on my record.
I haven't told my parents yet, I'm too afraid to. Their disappointment in me would be 100x worse than this situation. I haven't told anyone. I'm thinking about contacting the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention and taking their program. Will that help me when I go to court?
Any advice that anyone can offer will be helpful and much appreciated. Thankyou.

