My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia
A friend recently was caught shoplifting from a popular department store at the mall. She was caught stealing an accessory valued at a little under $7. She is 20 years old, currently on the dean's list in college, and this was her first offense. She has been charged with a class 1 misdemeanor.
After researching on the Internet, I noticed that punishment for this offense is a maximum of 12 months in jail and/or fine of $2,500. If my friend were to appear in court without a lawyer and plead guilty, would it still be possible for the judge to offer a lesser punishment due to it being a "first time offense"? Why is pleading guilty for a guilty crime avoided at all costs?
I read a couple of threads of people being charged in the state of Virgina for the same crime, but no one followed up in their thread stating the ruling of their case. If anyone has any idea of what to expect, it would be greatly appreciated.
Also, if anyone has any knowledge about grad school admission with a criminal background: My friend is trying to apply to pharmacy school in about two years and was wondering how this will effect the admission process
Thank you for your time.

