Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Got caught shoplifting a pair of shoes-21 years old

[stramaticaus]

yes, i completely agree with you, I was the biggest IDIOT in the world stealing in the first place.
on the day i got caught, my buddy and i went to a auto repair shop to get an oil change for his car. They told us it was going to take about 40 minutes, so we decided to go into a store to kill time, and that's when it all went wrong.
I saw a shoes that i've been wanting for a while, and i didn't have 65 dollars on me. so stupid me, i decided to steal it. the worst thing is, my friend did the same. and BAM we both got caught (what else did i expect?), they took us to the back room, called the police, and all that sweet stuff. after that, they let us go with a paper with court date on it.
Here's my problem, i got caught shoplifing before! i'm 21 years old now but i got caught shoplifting before when i was 17. and that time, all i got was 50 hours of community service with no record left.
I'll soon be applying to a grad school and i'm worried to death. I can't believe i didn't learn my lesson the first time but apparently, i had forgotten how shameful and degrading the experience was.
My court date is actually tomorrow but since i found this website today, i figured i post my topic up and see what's ahead of me at least several hours before hand. could they use the past incident against me even if there was no record left?
I've heard before that i might be offered the Accelerated rehibilitation Diversion program.

additional information:
it happend in CT

 

[thelawjournal]

If they know of the prior dont count on Diversion. Plead not guilty and either hir ean Attorney or request a Public Defender then you two can discuss plea options. You also failed to say what state this is in as it matters in case you crossed the felony threshold with dollar value of theft(s). It might help your chances as well if you enrolled in an Anti Shoplifting course. We can recommend one if you like? Send me a PM and I will give you the email address to such a programs Director.

 

[stramaticaus]

It happened in Connecticut, and i never have been offered any kind of diversional program.
by the way, even if i got off with no record at 17, it still can be used against me after 4 years?

 

[thelawjournal]

Whether or not they can or will use your prior as minor against you I cant say. I can say that Diversion is for first time offenders. If they count your prior then Diversion is not an option.