Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Need Advice! Pleas Help!

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Hi. Im 24 years old and I made a terrible mistake. I've fallen on some hard times with money and I haven't been able to get my mother or sister birthday gifts and my boyfriend"s mothers birthday is this Monday and I didn't want to show up to her amazing surprise party without a little something for her. I was just shopping around a department store and I saw some jewelry that I would have loved to get each of them but was upset bc I knew I couldn't afford it at the time. I made a rash decision and decided to take these things and I put them in my purse. As soon as I left the store, the loss prevention guy caught up with me and I knew I was caught. I gave everything back right away, I didn't even try to deny it and I cooperated with everything they asked but they still charged me and the cops came and arrested me and took me to jail. The jewelry cost around $170. I am extremely remorseful for my actions and I've never done anything like this before and feeling guilty because I can't afford gifts for my loved ones is no excuse. The cop who took me in was very kind and got to know me during the time he was with me. He also wrote very nice things about me in his report for the court/judge to read when they make their assessment about me("that I was very cooperative and remorseful and took every responsibility for my actions.") I hope these things work in my favor. The people at the department store also thanked me for being so cooperative. I've never been so sorry or so ashamed in my life. The thing that really worries me is the fact that I got a DUI when I was 19. Another stupid mistake. I completed everything for that and was actually let off my probation early for good behavior. Can that have any affect on my sentencing for the petit theft? I've never stolen in my life. Im a responsible, educated and hard working person and I come from a good family. I just finished school and am looking forward to starting my career. I don't want this stupid mistake to ruin my life. Could I go to jail for this? Thats what I'm worried about. I don't want to hurt or embarrass my family. Should I hire a lawyer? I'm so terrified. I have so much going for me in my life and I don't want this one mistake to destroy it.
 
Also, one last thing...This crime happened in Florida. I don't know if that helps you all give me better advice or not. I know that its a misdemeanor but with my DUI charge from that past, I don't know if that makes them look down on me in the courtroom. Even though petit theft and DUI have nothing to do with eachother. Whatever you all could tell me I would greatly appreciate! Thankyou!!!
 
The punishment for petty theft is minor. Fines less than $500.00, probation and community service are all the norm. Where jail is an option its very unlikely. Your big problem is having a criminal record. a criminal record can harm you in many ways for a very very long time. Having a previous crime (your DUI) might make seeking Diversion more difficult. You need to start calling lawyers. I know you have no money. However many Attorneys will grant free intial consultations, get as many as you can. Find out your option! I would also suggest you enroll and complete an anti shoplifting program before court.
 
Thankyou for responding. Everyone says its something that you usually end up getting community service and fines for but I'm still terrified about having the DUI on my record. I'll definitely take that course you mentioned and talk to some lawyers. What about a public defender? I know that can be a route to go if you are short on cash but I don't know how much of a defense they will really try working up for me.
 
Public defenders are overwhelmed. It possible they wont or cannot spend enough time on your case for best settlement. That is why I suggest you get several consultations with private Attorneys even you cannot afford them. You can then take what you learned to Public Defender so he can talk with DA. In general Diversion is offered to those without previous criminal record (you do not meet criteria) however they might overlook that since your previous crime was unrelated to earlier offense and you have shown remorse and taken action by taking and completing a shoplifting prevention course.
 
When you say "Diversion", what do you mean? Do you mean another form of punishment (fines, community service, etc.) besides jail time? So you're saying because I got a DUI when I was 19, I"m more likely to go to jail for this?
 
Diversion works like a conviction with fines,probations possible classes etc however once you complete program your case is "dismissed" meaning no conviction record. I am not suggesting you will go to jail because of your DUI just that a previous criminal record will likely remove the chance of Diversion. However it cannot hurt to ask and follow the other suggestions given here. Theft can carry a jail sentence but its very unlikely. Are you still on probation from the DUI?
 
No, I am not on probation for the DUI. That happened when I was 19 and I'm 24 now. I even got let off my probation early for good behavior. I haven't been in trouble in years.. not so much as a traffic ticket. I made this mistake but it was a spur of the moment dumb decision that I deeply regret. I just felt so guilty about not having the money to afford gifts for loved ones. Even the police officer that arrested me said it was obvious that I'm a good girl and he said he would do what he could to help me by writing positive things about me in his report. I'm currently looking into finding a good lawyer to help me through this. I don't want to mess around and not get the defense I need in this situation. I know I made a mistake and I'm more than willing to pay the price but I'm not "criminal" and I don't want this to ruin everything I've worked for in my life. Most importantly, I don't want to hurt or embarrass my family. Hopefully when I meet with the attorneys, I can get some information and know more what to expect from all this. Right now, I feel really scared and lost.
 
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