Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Advice please- first time adult offender- state of FL

[WTFiswrongwithme]

Today I made a very stupid decision to try to shoplift a pair of boots from a Retail Store in Florida. I was caught, physically and on video (so they say) and admitted to putting them into a bag in the shoe section. I did not leave the store with them but was approached by a LP officer almost immediately after I did it. I told him that I was going to just find a place to drop the bag and leave (and I would have b/c I felt immediately guilty afterwards) but he was following me around the store. He said that according to blah, blah, blah law in FL, that putting them in a bag constitutes stealing. It was recorded as "petty larceny." He brought me to the back office and called the police. The policeman was very kind but did "cuff me" and wrote me a ticket to appear in court. He said to call the State Attorney's office and to tell them a "friend" told me about the diversion program and that I would have to do some community service and then my record would be expunged. I have a court date for Sept 30th and he told me to wait about 2 weeks until the case gets into the system to call an attorney.

Why did I do this? I am not really sure- it was a stupid decision and I obviously regret it. I can not blame it on peer pressure or being a kid because neither of those are the case. I am scared shitless and have obviously learned my lesson. I will NEVER even THINK of taking another thing that does not belong to me again.

My problems are as follows:

1.) I am an officer in the military with a Secret Security Clearance and am worried if they will be told of this or if I will get kicked out of the service (most things I read say no).

2.) I am wondering how likely I will get into the diversion program- I have no criminal record, have been in the military for almost 16 years, am in graduate school (A student) and have 3 kids. I have never done anything like this before.

3.) Believe it or not my husband (I am embarrassed to say) is an attorney but works for the AG's office. I am wondering if I should tell him what happened or just keep it to myself and deal with it. I don't want this to ruin his career or for him to have any link to the stupid thing that I did. The State Attorney's office is separate from where he works and THEY are who the cop told me to deal with. However I am wondering if my husband's connections would maybe help me get the case kicked out or if I should just suck it up and take what I deserve.

I am just concerned about renewing my security clearance and also about how this will affect my family.

Any advice is appreciated

thank you

 

[thelawjournal]

1.) I am an officer in the military with a Secret Security Clearance and am worried if they will be told of this or if I will get kicked out of the service (most things I read say no).
Your clearence is at risk

2.) I am wondering how likely I will get into the diversion program- I have no criminal record, have been in the military for almost 16 years, am in graduate school (A student) and have 3 kids. I have never done anything like this before.
Start calling Attorneys many offer free consultation sget as many as you can. Diversion programs vary there is no set plan.

3.) Believe it or not my husband (I am embarrassed to say) is an attorney but works for the AG's office. I am wondering if I should tell him what happened or just keep it to myself and deal with it. I don't want this to ruin his career or for him to have any link to the stupid thing that I did. The State Attorney's office is separate from where he works and THEY are who the cop told me to deal with. However I am wondering if my husband's connections would maybe help me get the case kicked out or if I should just suck it up and take what I deserve.
Cops are not lawyers and shoyuld not be seeking or accepting legal advice from anyone other than an Attorney with "your" best interest at heart

I am just concerned about renewing my security clearance and also about how this will affect my family.
Even if you seek and are granted Diversion its very likely the Military will have some sort of access to this and why. At this point I will "guess" your clearence is at risk.

 

[NormanJr]

1.) I am an officer in the military with a Secret Security Clearance and am worried if they will be told of this or if I will get kicked out of the service (most things I read say no).

I have caught quite a few kids (18 to 21 yrs old) in the military and their commanding officer has called me. From what I have gathered, they had to report it or face more severe consequences. The officers also told me that whatever military punishment that they gave, was far worse than what the courts would do. I let it be at that. I kept track of what happened to the kids over the years as I like to see people rehabilitated (and am generally a good person LOL) and a few went on to have successful careers in the military and a few went into a downward spiral. I would tell the military before they find out. (There is a caution note, talk to an attorney ASAP and see their advice and how to best mitigate the damage this could do on your career).

2.) I am wondering how likely I will get into the diversion program- I have no criminal record, have been in the military for almost 16 years, am in graduate school (A student) and have 3 kids. I have never done anything like this before.

First time offender that is a model citizen (up to this point) who serves our country, gives you a big jump over the average Joe. Diversion is a good option.

3.) Believe it or not my husband (I am embarrassed to say) is an attorney but works for the AG's office. I am wondering if I should tell him what happened or just keep it to myself and deal with it. I don't want this to ruin his career or for him to have any link to the stupid thing that I did. The State Attorney's office is separate from where he works and THEY are who the cop told me to deal with. However I am wondering if my husband's connections would maybe help me get the case kicked out or if I should just suck it up and take what I deserve .

Oh no, talk to him! Your relationship is based on trust and you should trust that he will act in your best interest. You can turn this negative into a positive and help others. Don't go to him looking for an easy way out, go to him looking for support. Again, he will find out, you want it to be from someone random (and it will suck) or do you want to tell him and have it suck less?

The more support you get in this difficult time, the better. Call some lawyers, your husband will know people and maybe this case wont even go forward to trial.