Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft class a misdemeanor

[chunk305]

I was recently terminated from my part time job. I was stupid and made a poor decision after someone else in the company had told me what they were doing. I did the same thing and was caught. I used receipts i found on the floor to return merchandise onto gift cards and then use them for personal gain. There were three gift card total i used and it all amounted to about 190.00 dollars. I am being charged for stealing under 500 dollars. I am 23 and live in the state of missouri. My parents won't even look at me anymore so i am doing this all on my own. I was given a court summons but not arrested. When i looked up the maximum penalty it says that for a class a misdemeanor it is 1,000 dollar fine and up to a year in jail. I am terrified i am going to jail and will never be able to get a job again. My lift has changed drastically from this and i am still ashamed and can't believe i did this. My questions are; is it typical for a person (adult age) with a clean record to go to jail for this offense, can i get this expunged from my record or will it follow me for life, can a court appointed lawyer help me or hurt me in a case like this? Remember i now have no job, and am getting kicked out of my parents house. They are allowing me to stay on their insurance but i have to fend for myself now. Please help me and any advice is appreciated.

 

[NormanJr]

Any lawyer is better than no lawyer. Try and find employment asap so that you can pay the fines that may come.

Take a deep breath, relax and know this won't be the end of the world.

 

[thelawjournal]

It is very rare for a 1st time offender to see any jail time. So you can relax on that. Even though you cannot afford an Attorney you cna consult some. Many offer free consultations, get as many as you can. make no mention you hav eno plans ot hire them. Talk to them about your options. One option to bring up should be diversion. If available to you this can protect your record. You can also look into enrolling in an Anti theft course