Caught shoplifting

Recently me my friend got caught taking $100 worth of items from a retail store..
Im 19..A certified nursing assistant also a phlebotomist..
I accidently left my wallet in my vehicle made a very stupid choice not to go get it..
I am scared that...

if convicted of this misdemeanor I will have trouble getting a job..
Should I try to hurry up get a job before I go to court
So I will have proof of employment.\?
I don't want the judge to think im broke thats why I was stealing..
That is not the reason..
Also should I get my own attorney or accept the one given to me.?
If anyone has any advice for me please share...

I would make amends if able to the retailor before hand - take that reciept or note to court - seek the courts forgiveness for this first time, stupid error in judgement...I wish you the best !!

tell the truth so you dont get in more trouble because they will figure it out sooner or later

you shouldn't have done it in the first place that is a really lame excuse of stealing you could go to jail for that that was just stupid

Good luck.

Amblessed is right, but if it is a big chain store, I am not sure how amenable they will be to working with you. But try anyway. And I would definately talk to a lawyer.

Misdemeanor's aren't really a big deal. If you were charged with a felony then I would worry. Use the lawyer they give you (cheaper) exlain to the judge the STUPID decision you made. Yes, go to the store and offer to pay for the stuff. Explain to the store your situation and maybe they will let you pay. Take the receipt to the judge and show him how responsible you are becoming.

I agree with amblessed and jimahl...
but, consider this...
it is EASY to be sorry when you are caught.
If you had not been caught, would you have felt remorse and returned the stuff to the store or slipped an envelope containing the cash for what you stole under the door?
Probably not.
I would do more that just go to the store and offer to pay.
I would contact a local kids group and ask to go and speak about what you did and the crisis you are facing.
You could tell the kids about why you stole, how it felt to be caught, what went through your mind, how your parents reacted, how scared you are about the possibility of not getting a new job, etc.
You could take what you have done and try to help others not make the same mistake...
And BELIEVE me, that would go twice as far with a judge than just having paid for what you stole...And it might help you and the decisions you make regarding your future...
You haven't done the worse thing in the world but I wonder if you would have done it again IF you had not been caught.

If that's not the reason, what is?

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Have your appointed attorney seek a plea agreement that nets you probation and the possibility of expunging your record after successful completion of probation with no other crimes committed.

You could always get a shrink to say your a kleptomaniac. And. . . . Never mind. . .

Bad Rodney, Bad Rodney. . . . . .

Get Your Own Attorney!!! Going with a cort appointed attorney is like gambling...u may win...u may lose! And get a job...the judge will see that you a working member of society and not just some theif. Dont worry about not being able to find a job with that on your record though...really the only thing that will keep you out of the medical feild is a drug conviction. I am Medical Assistant and I have a criminal tresspassing conviction. It will be alright just do your research and get lawyer before you agree to anything.