Am a mother of two youngest is 1 month old with c section. Chance of goin to jail when I present myself to court.?

The possibility of leniency will depend on the judge. He'll consider the fact that this is your first crime, and that you were compelled by desperation because of the new baby. But there's no guarantee that your sentence will be light. Your best bet is to immediately talk to a charity which supports people in need, and explain your desperate situation to them. They can sent representation on the day of the hearing to testify of your dire circumstances to the judge. They might even pay for you to have legal representation. But you'll have to be quick about it.

It is highly unlikely that you'll go to jail for shoplifting. But the criminal record can jeopardise lots of opportunities for you in the future. The modern justice system is very unforgiving. It never truly forgives nor forgets because a record of your crime will be held in the police database for quite some time. But take heart, you won't go to jail.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

If this was your first offense, and you have a newborn at home I doubt that you will go to jail for shoplifting. When you appear in court they will appoint a public defender for you, the case will be postponed and you will have to return to court. When you actually have your hearing, you will probably be put on probation. Rarely does a shoplifter go to jail on their first offense unless there is some type of other criminal history.

I have a friend who is a retail theft consultant and answers such questions privately for no fee. He says with no prior criminal history the chances for diversion are excellent. go to court plead not guilty and request public defender. When you meet this Lawyer ask him about diversion, not all county's have such programs

He adds it was unwise to name store on public forum

that's up to the lawyer, next time go to a place that helps people and ask for help, its easier that way

Hopefully!

you won't go to jail for that - just tell them you were desperate and had no money