I have no experience with the law whatsoever, have no record (not even a speeding ticket). I am completely shocked and confused by what happened today... please help? Any suggestions would be genuinely appreciated.
This afternoon I was shopping and tried on some low-cost (~$30) earrings in the dressing room. Afterwards I couldn't figure out where I put them, but went through my bag and didn't see them so assumed I must have dropped them somewhere in the store. Honestly, I didn't think much of it at the time. Later I regretted this, because I am being accused of shoplifting in Iowa, which is a 5th degree misdemeanor. The earrings were in my jacket pocket (I don't even remember wearing my jacket, but I *must* have at some point?). Regardless, I'm scared out of my mind and don't know who will even believe me.
I am applying for a court-appointed attorney tomorrow morning.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am a 30 year old professional about to apply for licensure in psychology, and am worried that having this on my record will be a black mark professionally. Worse, I'm moving out of state in 19 days. My court date is next week. What are my options?? What should I ask my lawyer, if I can even get one in time?
This afternoon I was shopping and tried on some low-cost (~$30) earrings in the dressing room. Afterwards I couldn't figure out where I put them, but went through my bag and didn't see them so assumed I must have dropped them somewhere in the store. Honestly, I didn't think much of it at the time. Later I regretted this, because I am being accused of shoplifting in Iowa, which is a 5th degree misdemeanor. The earrings were in my jacket pocket (I don't even remember wearing my jacket, but I *must* have at some point?). Regardless, I'm scared out of my mind and don't know who will even believe me.
I am applying for a court-appointed attorney tomorrow morning.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am a 30 year old professional about to apply for licensure in psychology, and am worried that having this on my record will be a black mark professionally. Worse, I'm moving out of state in 19 days. My court date is next week. What are my options?? What should I ask my lawyer, if I can even get one in time?