Retail Theft while a minor along?

[dodya]

Ok here's the deal.....I was recently in a store with my 2 children and and I put some jewelry and a sweater in my purse. This was done in a fitting room, so no camera proof. As I was leaving they asked me to come back in and asked for the merchandise, being I was with my children I gave no hassle and gave it to them. The cost ended up being $444.00 which in PA is a first degree misdemeanor I now know. I am now going to have a court date, have been asked to not return to the store and told I will have to pay the store whatever they decide for them catching me and will get that in the mail. I know I have done wrong and will do what I need to do to make things right. But I am just wondering if anyone has any clue of what I may be facing? The police said I could also get in trouble for corruption of minors, but he will not push that although the DA may. This is my first offense for ANYTHING not even traffic violations and he also said he would not object to ARD. My children are worried that I may go to jail because the items were for them and I couldn't buy them. I know I should of just stuck to my guns and said NO but I hate to let my kids down and now I left them down even worse. I have beat myself up over this so much and I feel absolutely guilty and terrible. Please don't be mean, but if you have any ideas of what I might be facing to prepare me and would a Public defender be alright or should I get an attorney? Also went hey totaled the items up they totaled retail value and all the items were on sale and since I returned the items why would I know still have to pay for them? I understand the court and fines but why do I have to pay the store when everything was returned unharmed?

[dickens93]

First the DA will not pursue the corruption of minor charges but you will receive a civil demand letter from the store and it will be around 3 times the cost of the merchandise. The criminal charges will be a fine and community service of some type, you will probably be on probation for 1 year and if you violate it you will most likely go to prison.