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[ring]

I'm from Kansas and 2 days ago my little sister and I were caught shoplifting at Sears. The LP approached us said he had been watching us and asked us to hand over the merchandise. I had 3 shirts totalling about $56. We cooperated and were polite, but he called the cops and our parents because she is a minor. I'm 19 and didn't have any ID on me, so luckily my dad helped me out and convinced the cop not to take me to jail right then and there. I got a $300 fine for a misdemeanor and my court date is 2 weeks from now. Idk what to do and I'm scared of going to jail. I have no criminal record whatsoever, not even traffic tickets so I'm hoping jail time won't be an option. I realize what I did was wrong, and I'll pay the fines and court costs and pay the store back and do community service, but I DON'T want this on my record or have to do jail time :( I learned my lesson and will NEVER EVER do anything like this again. I've been a nervous wreck ever since it happened so I feel as if I'm already being punished. I'm not sure if I should plead guilty, cause then i will definitely be charged but I can't plead not guilty cause we handed the merchandise over to the LP and I confessed everything to the cop so it's in the police report. My dad told me to plead no contest, but that's basically the same thing as pleading guilty.. right? I just feel completely hopeless, like I ruined my whole life by this one mistake. I'm just hoping that since it's my first offense ever and the merchandise was less than $100 the punishment won't be as severe.. I can't aford a lawyer and I already owe my parents a ton from court costs and fines. I just need advice on what to expect, never been to court before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[koltin]

Most likely being a first time offender you will be placed on probation and pay court costs and fines.

However, you may also wish to see about applying for either "Youthful Offender" status OR "Pretrial Diversion."

[crosbey]

Whether you plead guilty or "no contest," this will be on your record forever. Any background check will turn up this conviction. You now have a criminal record that will follow you into every job interview.