Caught shoplifting - help.?

[mace]

I got caught shoplifting yesterday in Kohls. I am 23 and live in Ohio. I have never been in any trouble before other than a speeding ticket, but that was when I was 17.
I was with a friend who had done it before and talked me into trying it (I know it was ultimately my decision). I went into a dressing room with a handful of clothes and took the tags off of a pair of jeans and put them into a pocket on another pair. I put the jeans in my purse and continued to try on other clothes so it didn't look suspicious. When I was finished, I exited the dressing room and put some clothes back, but continued shopping. I proceeded to put clothes back and walk out of the store and as I was walking towards my friend, 2 guys stopped me and asked me to come back inside with them. I played dumb and acted like I had no idea what they were talking about, but followed them to the back room anyway.
Once we were in the LP room, they took out the tags and another one (which wasn't from me) and asked if I knew about them. I got nervous and pulled the jeans out of my purse (by reading other answers, I realize I shouldn't have done this because they couldn't prove I did it) and started to fill out papers.
A cop walked in and they asked a couple questions. I gave them my information and tried to keep calm. The guy thanked me for being so cooperative and I apologized saying I knew it was a stupid decision.
I have a court date for next Thursday.
I know the decision I made was extremely stupid and if I could go back and change it, I would... but since I can't, I need some help.
I have a full time job and I also have a trip to the Bahamas planned next month with my boyfriends family. I am not telling anyone (not even family or boyfriend) because honestly, I'm just extremely embarassed. I just have a few questions and your answers are appreciated.

- I know I have to plead guilty, but what will happen after?
- Will I lose my job?
- Will I be able to travel?
- I know it will be on my record, but

[ailwyn]

I got caught shoplifting yesterday in Kohls. I am 23 and live in Ohio. I have never been in any trouble before other than a speeding ticket, but that was when I was 17.
I was with a friend who had done it before and talked me into trying it (I know it was ultimately my decision). I went into a dressing room with a handful of clothes and took the tags off of a pair of jeans and put them into a pocket on another pair. I put the jeans in my purse and continued to try on other clothes so it didn't look suspicious. When I was finished, I exited the dressing room and put some clothes back, but continued shopping. I proceeded to put clothes back and walk out of the store and as I was walking towards my friend, 2 guys stopped me and asked me to come back inside with them. I played dumb and acted like I had no idea what they were talking about, but followed them to the back room anyway.
Once we were in the LP room, they took out the tags and another one (which wasn't from me) and asked if I knew about them. I got nervous and pulled the jeans out of my purse (by reading other answers, I realize I shouldn't have done this because they couldn't prove I did it) and started to fill out papers.
A cop walked in and they asked a couple questions. I gave them my information and tried to keep calm. The guy thanked me for being so cooperative and I apologized saying I knew it was a stupid decision.
I have a court date for next Thursday.
I know the decision I made was extremely stupid and if I could go back and change it, I would... but since I can't, I need some help.
I have a full time job and I also have a trip to the Bahamas planned next month with my boyfriends family. I am not telling anyone (not even family or boyfriend) because honestly, I'm just extremely embarassed. I just have a few questions and your answers are appreciated.

- I know I have to plead guilty, but what will happen after?
- Will I lose my job?
- Will I be able to travel?
- I know it will be on my record, but

How about you don't do it again... and seing as you confessed and etc... you will get a nicer sentance (if you get on). Job should be fine...but dont expect many more favors...
Traveling should be ok, you didnt kill anyone...
and yes you are stuck with it...

[stein74]

It depends on wither you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor. Your court date Thursday will be an arraignment and you will be assigned an attorney if you cannot afford one of your own. The attorney will be able to tell you what you need to know.

[kendrix]

i don't know about where u live but here it will be printed in the paper where everyone will know. u could lose your job and if u have to do jail time u might not be out by the time u have to go on your trip. and your boyfriend will definately find out.