Should i hire a lawyer for a shoplifting case?

I got caught shoplifting at the university bookstore today. I know it was a stupid thing to do but i was desperate. I needed that book so i can do my homework, which was due the next day. My dad usually pays for my books but he said he will pay next week but that is too long of a wait. I needed that book today so i shoplifted because i was desperate. Before you guys make any mean comments, just know that i will never do this again and i know it was stupid.

Anyways, the security said this will go on my record and i would have to pay a fine and most likely go to court but they weren't very clear. The stuff i stole was worth 64 dollars. What do you guys think will happen to me? And the security said there is a possibility this will get off my record. What do you guys think? Please hlep me. i'm so scared

Should i hire a laywer? what do you guys think?

No need to hire a lawyer. You've learned a good lesson and the fact that you're scared reveals you have a good conscience and most likely will never attempt anything like that again. Face the music, pay the fine, offer your apology and see what ensues. Be your truthful and sincere self.

Did you get arrested? Or did they make clear that they would refer it to the police? If you did not get arrested on the spot, the chances are very good that they will not refer it to the police.

Is the bookstore owned by the University? If so, they might be talking about your University disciplinary record as opposed to any criminal record. It sounds like they are more interested in pursuing it internally, to be honest.

Sometimes private companies will accept a payment in return for a promise not to press charges. You might want to check if this is what they are talking about, or just wait until you hear more from the University. Chances are good that you will face disciplinary proceedings from the University, but if they didn't call the police right away, they might just handle this in-house.

I don't think you need to hire a lawyer right away, but keep quiet and do not divulge any information to the University unless you have a promise in writing that they will NOT press charges. Some colleges also have explicit rules prohibiting a student from retaining legal counsel in private college disciplinary proceedings (as opposed to criminal proceedings, where you ALWAYS have the right to an attorney).

In any case, I hope you learned from this. We all have our weak moments. I hope it doesn't go too badly for you. Good luck.

I think they should kick your dumb *** out of school.