litahardyz
New Member
I was caught shoplifting. It was my first time, and I have no priors. It was under $15. I feel horrible, and I can't believe I did it. I'm a good person, and it was stupid. As I was leaving the store, 2 people jumped at me and grabbed me. It scared the crap out of me. They pulled me aside and took me into a room. They asked me to pull out whatever was in my purse. I didn't have my ID on me, it was out in my car. The cops were called, they came, cuffed me, walked me out to my car to get my ID, then took me back into the room. The cop read me my rights, and took my info. The store said that they weren't going to ban me but if I did it again then they would. The cops uncuffed me and had me sign a paper saying that I agreed to show up to my court date next week, then I was free to go. I've called a few attorneys, and a couple said that they'd take my case but of course they charge and arm and a leg. 3 attorneys I've called have told me that I don't need an attorney. They said that I'd go to my court date, plead not guilty, they'd give me another court date, then at the next one the prosecuter would probably offer me a 'Diversion Program'. I guess I go to a class on saturday, and if I complete the class then it all goes away. I really don't want this on my record. It'll ruin my life! I guess some questions I have are...Since I was technically arrested, will that go away or is it on my record forever saying I've been arrested? How will that affect me? Should I still hire an attorney? Could an attorney get this to completely go away? I'm very scared. I'm in the process of enlisting in the Air Force, and I don't want this on my record. I know it was stupid. I'll never do it again, I can't even believe I did it. I don't know what I was thinking. Please help! I need answers.
