I got caught shoplifting first time in metrotown superstore. I stole some makeup stuff and its cost is $150. I was coming out of superstore and security guard stopped me. He took me in checking room. He checked whole stuff and he called the police. Police came and he ask me some question. He gave me court date August 24 and call at police station August 4 for fingerprints. I am very scared about it. Police officer said you may be go to jail for 6 months. This is my first crime. I don't have any criminal record. I don't want to go jail.

My question is what should I do in this situation. What are legal punishment for me. Is there any way to escape from this criminal record. What will be judge decision.

The legal punishment varies by location, so knowing your location would get you better answers.

What should you do? Get a lawyer.

Canada

I was arrested about 8 years ago for shoplifting too. I was so scared but thank God I didn't go to jail, so don't worry about that you probably won't go especially if this was your first offense. What I did was that I went to court and a lawyer took my case. He said I could take the pretrial diversion program which in my state is so that you don't have a conviction on your record and when you complete the requirements, your case is dismissed. The only thing about taking the pretrial diversion program is that ater you finish you can't have your record expunged. So see if you can get a lawyer who can give you all possible options before you make a decision. Any choice that will allow you to remove this arrest from your record in the future is the best one.

While of course you "could" go to jail, that is the max thing that ever happens, and I don't know of it ever happening for a first offense, ( unless you go in and curse the judge out or something)

First you should have an attorney. You should not admit guilt even if caught red handed with items, make them prove it, if it comes to that.

Most likely at worst fine and probation, and at best you get a diversion program where it is dismissed after probation and fines.