回複：The charge is now from the DA, not from the store

Doesn't matter. The court will need to summon the security guard who caught her, and most likely he won't show up, case dismissed. Worst case scenario: he shows up on her court day. Still, no panic, the judge will determine if she is guilty or not after hearing stories from both sides. Usually no jury required for small cases like this. So just tell your side of story calmly (your lawyer will do this for you), the fact that the videotape went missing is actually in your advantage since it's now your words against his (most likely he won't remember the details after such a long time). Try your best to convince the judge that it was an honest mistake instead of intentional stealing. If after all of these you are still convicted, don't panic, your lawyer can still negotiate for a lighter charge and you will get it since it's your first offense. So really you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain (a clean record hence no more worries on your citizenship application, school application, job application, ...). If you plead guilty now, you'll always wonder what would've happened if you didn't. So I'll say go ahead to prove your innocence and no regrets for the rest of your life. Good luck!