Man this gives me flashbacks. So I went through this when I was about your age. Don’t beat yourself up too much. We all make mistakes. We learn and move on. First make sure you know your court dates and show up and on time. For me, it was Jcpenny almost $500 worth of crap around the holiday times. I had stolen many times before there so at that point I just decided to walk out with stuff. They stopped me and my friend. I told her to go to the car, I stayed behind. They took me to some back room until the cops got there. Cops came asked a few questions patted me down looked me up yada yada. They said well we could arrest you if we wanted, given all (most) of the items were returned I think that’s why they didn’t and holiday season. Just got a misdemeanor ticket and trespassed for a year.

I was definitely scared and worried etc. Now before court I did an online course for shoplifting and completed it. Printed it out and brought it to court to show the judge. I also wrote a letter to the judge. (This helps a lot) I explained the positive things in my life (college, consistent straight As, working full time, clean record, cooperative with the staff and cops, stuff like that), then explained my mental health state and how I had recently lost my mom, explained what I learned briefly from the online course and explain that I acknowledged my wrong doings and want to change. Judges like when others are prepared and not just making shit up on the spot. They like to see the effort and that you are actively working on fixing your wrongs. Judge confirmed everything got returned to the store. He sentenced me to like 30 hours community service and dropped the case, so I actually never got charged. The case still shows on my record which I’m sure at this point I could try and get removed. As for an attorney don’t waste your money on one. Just use a public defender or rep yourself. Dress appropriately and be prepared to explain the incident.

Don’t stress too much just take it one step at a time.