r u living in the US?

If not, please do not say words like this. They r very misleading. If she got a bad record, even for only $30-40, it will hurt her future very much. To my understanding, all decent comanies recruit new employees will check crime record. She will have trouble, EVEN IF she did not intend to do bad things (like she was merely to tired, and forgot to pay). If the judge believes she committed crime, she will be in trouble. Somebody might steal thousands of dollars, and find a good lawer for him, and get him out of the charge. That person is still clean. However, even LZ did intend to do anything bad, and money is low only 30-40 dollars, she might have great trouble in the future if she cannot handle his situation well.