I am 18 years old, turning 19 tomorrow. I was with a friend at a retail store and she was caught shoplifting on the camera. Although not caught on camera, I shoplifted too and they made me give back the things I've stolen. They added up the items and mine was a total of $45 rounded up and hers was a little more than $100. Since it was a little high, the police were called, we got arrested, and charged with misdemeanor. We got our fingerprints scanned and photos taken. The lady who worked at the police station told us that it's fine, it's not the end of the world, and that everybody make mistakes. She also said that I don't have to pay anything and since this is my first time and I'm a student, they're going to go easy on me.
I have a court date for next month at the same time with my friend. If I sign up for a diversion program, will this mistake be erased from my record?
If so, how can I get into the diversion program?
How much fine do you think I have to pay?
Do I need a lawyer?
I haven't told my parents about this and I'm really scared. I know it's my mistake, and I feel terrible about this, but I don't know how to tell my mom about it.
Who to ask these questions to? Can I come up to a lawyer and have consulting time just for free?
And one more thing, I am going to have my family green card interview this weekend. Should I be worried about this?
I have a court date for next month at the same time with my friend. If I sign up for a diversion program, will this mistake be erased from my record?
If so, how can I get into the diversion program?
How much fine do you think I have to pay?
Do I need a lawyer?
I haven't told my parents about this and I'm really scared. I know it's my mistake, and I feel terrible about this, but I don't know how to tell my mom about it.
Who to ask these questions to? Can I come up to a lawyer and have consulting time just for free?
And one more thing, I am going to have my family green card interview this weekend. Should I be worried about this?
