Can I avoid jail time or having a conviction on my record for shoplifting?

Hello. You'll be prosecuted for a criminal theft offense. Having something like this on your permanent record will be detrimental to your future work opportunities. An attorney can help you take some proactive steps to put you in a better light for the court. From there, we would challenge the charges and the evidence against you while simultaneously working with the prosecutor to try to reach a deal that keeps the crime off of your record. Definitely hire an attorney. It will be money well spent to protect your future as much as possible. Feel free to give me a call or an email to discuss your options.