Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Retail theft + harassment question(s)

[malarkey]

I live in PA, USA

The other day I did incredibly stupid thing. I attempted to steal a few condoms from a local Wal-Mart and on the way out was approached by citizen security guard (he saw me the whole time on camera). I was brought back into the store, but while we were walking towards the back offices to get my information I attempted to escape/run away and was subsequently brought down to the ground and handcuffed. Reallly stupid. I know. I panicked/freaked-out.

The police came and gave me two yellow slips of paper (NON-Traffic Citations). One is a charge of retail theft (a 6$ item) and harassment of the man I tried to escape from. I did not go to jail. The officer let me go with these two slips of paper and told me to report to the magistrate's office within 10 days.

I am 18 years old and have no experience with this procedure. Can I pay my fines in cash? I'd really like to prevent my parents finding out about this, how do I go about presenting myself to the magistrate/judge?

Any advice, FAQS, or fact sheets would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all so much for providing this resource.

 

[jacksgal]

In order to pay fines you must first go to court. Yes you can pay cash. However you did not mention Civil Demand which is a Civil action. that comes in mail. If your parents see a letter in mail from a Law Firm addressed to you they will surely ask questions

 

[malarkey]

however you did not mention Civil Demand which is a Civil action. that comes in mail. If your parents see a letter in mail from a Law Firm addressed to you they will surely ask questions

Thank you for your quick response.

Do you have any idea how long the Civil Demand letter will take to arrive in the mail? Also, what happens when I visit the magistrates office? I'm plan on driving over there tomorrow, what should I expect?

 

[jacksgal]

Civil Demand can take weeks or months. Far as your trip tomorrow prepare to be read charges and asked to enter plea. If you plead guilty, not recommended, you can be sentenced right then. I adivse you enter a not guilty plea and request public defender

 

[malarkey]

I adivse you enter a not guilty plea and request public defender

Wouldn't pleading not guilty upset the judge? I AM guilty. How would that work? They have the footage of my attempted theft on video camera.

 

[presutin]

You are correct. The evidence speaks for itself. What will happen is the court will see if you have other convictions and if that is not the case, if you can tell the judge how truly sorry you are for the mistake and the foolishness of your act, the judge may consider a much lighter sentence.

 

[jacksgal]

No its part of process. If you plead guilty your writing a blank check. You need to do what you can to minimize damage

 

[malarkey]

You are correct. The evidence speaks for itself. What will happen is the court will see if you have other convictions and if that is not the case, if you can tell the judge how truly sorry you are for the mistake and the foolishness of your act, the judge may consider a much lighter sentence.

No its part of process. If you plead guilty your writing a blank check. You need to do what you can to minimize damage

Ahhhh! Two conflicting opinions! I guess I'll contact a local attorney like both of your signatures suggest.

 

[jacksgal]

Wise choice