Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught shoplifting at age 17 ( need some advice/help )

[Sparkii]

well im 17 and got caught shoplifting in indiana and i stay in illinios. i stole an amount about $155 worth ( basicially under $200 ) . i have a court date on 8/27/09 but i turn 18 on 8/20/09. will i end up being tried as an adult? this is my first offense i ever had and i don't have a criminal history at all. they charged me for a class A misdemeanor ( conversion ) I.C. 35-43-4-3. i did have to pay an $100 fine for the store losses but what will happen next when i go to court? or what should i do or say? i have learned my lesson , honestly. THANKS. i have posted this question before on another website and some of the responders ( about 3 lawyers and public DA's answered ) said i should start doing community service now so it can look good towards the judge. Also what is going to happen to me when i go to court and what are they going to say? i should mention my mother is going to me and she has a disablity ( she is hearing impaired but can speak a little ) i requested a sign lanuage interpreter when i talked to my " assigned " probation officer ( i guess thats the title of the lady i talked to when i called, soo my court papers say ). i didnt show up my initial meeting with my probation officer to fill out some forms before the actual court date b/c my mom had gotten into a car accident and we didnt have a car at the time. also i start college on 8/31/09 and i didnt want the court date to interfere with my college start date at the time. soo the probation officer lady waived it and said i would just have to fill out the papers when i get to court. since it got waived, the date moved up to the current date 8/27/09. alot of people said this will look good towards the judge since it shows that i am trying to focus on school right now. did i do the right thing? i cant afford a lawyer b/c we are having financial problems and my mom filed for bankruptcy and i almost wasnt able to afford to get into the college i want to go to. this has been a big stress on me right now and financial troubles and stress and pressure is the reason i stole , but that shouldnt be an excuse. we all have a chance to make mistakes big or small as teens & this is my mistake. ( im thinking about saying that to the judge ). should i say that? or keep it short, simple and to the point?

 

[thelawjournal]

Whoever is telling you about how to look good are making assumptions! They don't know! Starting community service before court may not decrease the service you get or even be right service. If you cannot afford an Attorney then plead not guilty and ask for Public Defender. When you meet with this Public Defender you can discuss your options. One such option you might discuss is Diversion. A conviction could screw up any scholarship you currently have and will likely ruin many carerr options. If you want to look good in front of the Judge then take an anto theft class. I. (Reatil Theft Answers) can recommend one for you. Send me a PM I will give you contact info for NASP (National Association of Shoplifting Prevention)