I was at Macys a few months back, totally out of it. Yeah I know. It's all been heard time and again. My brother had just died, sister had just set her house on fire, daughter's husband had beaten her to a pulp, etc. For real, it's the truth. I'm on major pain medication and my husband told me to get out of the house for the day. I had way too many things to do and too little time to do it in. I actually walked out with a set of pans, yes, pots and pans, that I thought would be great for my little one to start cooking on as mine were starting to stick. Was nabbed by LP, arrested and have a court date. I haven't had a ticket in over 40 years. I've paid $1500 to an attorney who hasn't asked me any questions since the day I told him what happened four months ago and he's supposed to be the best. His paralegal told me to pray and when I asked what I could do she said to get character reference letters. I'm also getting a copy of all my RX's for the year. I don't have any more money for a trial and my husband will be out of town that week at a conference. I can't sleep, I've gained 20 lbs and I'm a nervous wreck. The only thing that has helped is praying with my minister. What else can I do?

Go out with friends and have a good time. Get your mind off it and just live life. Don't let it get you down.

Let your attorney do what he does best. Shoplifting, first time offense, is not going to put you in prison, you may even get probation and a fine. You will likely be barred from Macy's. I would ask the attorney what the plea will be and what his strategy will be, you paid for that much.

Yes, worst case, you pay a fine and get on probation, so let life go on, can't change it now, you are way too upset over a minor issue

Agree with my colleagues - you have an Attorney, apparently he/she isn't in a panic. Why a Paralegal would tell you to pray is beyond me but maybe that advice works for you.

Take a deep breath. It's going to be okay. I suspect you'll get a very harsh warning, maybe community service.