Hi I'm a eighteen yearold resident of California and wasjust caught shoplifting at macys the total amount stolen amounted to 384? But somewhere around that. I was caught shoplifting by the store detectives and was agreed that I will pay macys back what they told me was that they have evidence that I shoplifted before like two times and will not ask me to pay those back as long as I bring back thestuff withina shortperiod of time.I admitted to stealing before and them I was extremely sorry and will do anything it takes to bring back their stuff.the losss prevention group found scissors in my bag and told me that I used a tool then called Police so an officer came in I told him everything I written above and told him I was very sorry.he read me my miranda rights and told me my case can go two ways because it is myfirst time getting arrestedfor this thejudges won't be that harsh but since I did have a tool it ightbe count as burglary which is a felony. But the officer kept on telling me honestly between me and you I highly doubt that you will charged of burglary just go to court and plead guilty you will probably be charged with a misdeameanor. Wow I can't help but choking on my tears because
I just threw my life away I am a 4.5gpa student who is going to college this year and just got accepted to highly sekective liberal arts school and is waiting to hear admisssion from other schools.my dad said he will take care of the fees byt please is there any way I can prevent this from
Going on my criminal record for
Life? I need to appear to court in April but I don't know what to do and whether I should hire an attorney please help me save my life I will never
Do this again

I would not approach this without an Attorney. Yes, if you are convicted it will be on your permanent arrest record.

Trust me - the Police may have appeared to be speaking to you honestly and sincerely, but that's your job.

You have confessed. Now you have to try to make the sentence lighter. There is no longer a need to prove you guilty. You did that yourself.