I was caught shoplifting yesterday from Wal-Mart. I took deodorant and toothpaste. My financial situation is getting really bad, and I let things get out of hand. I feel awful. I'm 27, I just got my Master's degree but I can't find a job. I've been living off my credit cards - three are maxed out and my fourth is getting close. It's no excuse, I let things get out of control.
The security guard called the cops, and I was issued a notice to appear. I'm moving to California to do my PhD, so I'm probably going to have to spend money to come back in two weeks, and it's probably going to make my job search harder since most people don't hire you if you have to take time off that soon.
I'm afraid if I'm convincted of these charges, I'll have a misdemeanor on my record that will stop me from getting employment, stop me from getting into a PhD program, and will stop me from traveling internationally. They ask on visa applications if you've ever been charged with a crime. I work internationally with kids who get sick from lack of fresh water. That's the problem I'm trying to tackle. If this stops me from living my dream, I will feel like I let them down. I feel like I just ruined my life.
What are the chances, given my situation, that the judge will grant me a diversion? What should I plead? How can I keep this off my record so I don't have to answer "yes" on applications?
Thank you so much for your advice.
The security guard called the cops, and I was issued a notice to appear. I'm moving to California to do my PhD, so I'm probably going to have to spend money to come back in two weeks, and it's probably going to make my job search harder since most people don't hire you if you have to take time off that soon.
I'm afraid if I'm convincted of these charges, I'll have a misdemeanor on my record that will stop me from getting employment, stop me from getting into a PhD program, and will stop me from traveling internationally. They ask on visa applications if you've ever been charged with a crime. I work internationally with kids who get sick from lack of fresh water. That's the problem I'm trying to tackle. If this stops me from living my dream, I will feel like I let them down. I feel like I just ruined my life.
What are the chances, given my situation, that the judge will grant me a diversion? What should I plead? How can I keep this off my record so I don't have to answer "yes" on applications?
Thank you so much for your advice.
