Expert: Robin Sexton - 8/21/2009

Question
I lived in Washington since I was 7 yrs old. My friend and I went to Wal Mart one afternoon. And she had dragged me under a lot of peer pressure, I was dumb and actually stole make up with her. I regret every little thing that had happened that day. I now have court in three weeks. I've never been to court and I'm not sure what will happen? I'm very scared of getting arrested and not be able to finish my college career, get married, and continue with the job I have at Target. I've regret my actions ever since. Do you think that everything will I want to do like getting married, finishing college and working will not happen or discontinue? And will I go to jail? I'm so scared of my court date. i'm scared of what they'll do to me. I hope nothing in my life will change because I do want to finish college, I want to get married, I want to keep my job.

- Josele

Answer
Josele,

Plese calm down, everything will be OK.  I know this is frightening to you but it will not be as serious as you think.  I am real sorry you got into this situation.
Shoplilfting is a very common violation, it is unigue to you but to the criminal justice system very very routine.
Very very few people go to jail for shoplifting so that is probably right off the table for things to worry about.
Here is what i suggest you do.  Take a deep breath and call the court they should be pretty helpfull.  Ask them specifically what type of crime is this ?  Misdemeanor or civil ?
Misdemeanors are handle as criminal violations and civil is like a parking ticket.  If it is civil there is normally just a fine and maybe some probation but that is it.  If it is a misdemeanor you then need to ask the following.  Is there any deferred sentence possibilites?  This they may refer you to the prosecutors office but what you are trying to find out is if you plead responcible or guilty the court or prosecutors office will take the plea under advisement for a period of time.  At the end of  that time if you have not had any problems the case and charges are dropped.  There may fines, community service etc. However what you end up with is no public record, a good thing.
Now one thing that you really need to do.  First talk to your fiance, you should not be keeping this a secret.  If you are going to get married you need to trust each other, right ?  
All these issues of pleas and court are negotiable.  You can try to negotiate with the court or the prosecutor.  If you are uncomfortable doing that you can employ the assistance of counsel if for no other purpose then advise.

Hope this helps

good luck

robin