Does the court take it into consideration or would that not make any difference in a felony case?

My question concerns a 35 year old woman who over 10 years ago changed the amount of pain medication on her doctor's written prescription. She also forged a check that she says was not a large amount. She was put on pain medication following a life threatening pregnancy that required extensive hospitalization. Addiction followed. She is now a single unemployable mother of a 2 year old son residing with and dependent upon her 85 year old grandmother. I feel for this young woman as she lives in constant fear of being pulled over by the police and losing her son to his drug user father who refuses to pay child support. He threatens to turn her in if she doesn't do everything he asks of her. She has been 9 years living drug and alcohol free. Her son is the biggest reason she won't deal with this serious matter. She has serious health issues and is making herself worse due to worrying. What are her chances as I realize Pennsylvania is extremely strict regarding felons. Her grandmother is worried sick and would love to see her live a normal life and eventually find employment. Thank you.