Hello,
I am a 20 year old undergrad college student and have recently been caught shoplifting. I was caught stealing from a major department store for the amount of $106. I was taken to the back by LP, whom then took my info./license and filed a case against me. After she was done, an officer came by and wrote me a citation for Petty theft (Penal code 488), took my finger prints and informed me I have to go to the police station so they can take my finger prints and that I would be receiving a letter in the mail shortly about my court case.
Now (Besides receiving a $395 fine from the store and signing papers stating that I cannot return to the store within 3 years), I understand that I have to appear in court. What I am wondering is, would I be able to do the Diversion program in order to get it expunged from my record or does that decision depend on the judge? This is the only thing I am concerned about because I am in the process of trying to get into an ivy league grad school... And if it IS expunged from my record, when applying for jobs, do I have to state in my application that I have been convicted of petty theft? I have been reading almost every post on this website, but am still a bit confused and VERY worried. Please help and thank you all so very much for your time...
I am a 20 year old undergrad college student and have recently been caught shoplifting. I was caught stealing from a major department store for the amount of $106. I was taken to the back by LP, whom then took my info./license and filed a case against me. After she was done, an officer came by and wrote me a citation for Petty theft (Penal code 488), took my finger prints and informed me I have to go to the police station so they can take my finger prints and that I would be receiving a letter in the mail shortly about my court case.
Now (Besides receiving a $395 fine from the store and signing papers stating that I cannot return to the store within 3 years), I understand that I have to appear in court. What I am wondering is, would I be able to do the Diversion program in order to get it expunged from my record or does that decision depend on the judge? This is the only thing I am concerned about because I am in the process of trying to get into an ivy league grad school... And if it IS expunged from my record, when applying for jobs, do I have to state in my application that I have been convicted of petty theft? I have been reading almost every post on this website, but am still a bit confused and VERY worried. Please help and thank you all so very much for your time...
