My question involves criminal law for the state of: louisiana. Hi everyone. A friend and I were recently caught shoplifting at a department store in a mall. The officer gave us each a misdemeanor slip and we were free to go. Theft of goods for me was $129 and this is my first offence. I have never been in trouble or even pulled over. We are both 18 and haven't told anyone about this incident. I have a few questions such as should we get a lawyer? I don't know how court works and I am not sure what can happen to us. We are both pleading guilty seeing as we were caught on tape. The officer said we would get more information sent in the mail but neither of us has recieved it yet and our court date is in a couple weeks. And also, has anyone been in a similar situation and wouldn't mind telling me what happened when you went to court or what we can expect? Thank you.

