Shoplifting - Diversion program and criminal record check

[lithium]

On June 9, 2006 I was caught shoplifting at Loblaws (a grocery/Walmart-type store in Canada). I received a civil demand notice exactly five weeks after the incident, which I promptly paid.

Three days ago, I received a letter from the Salvation Army. As the letter states:

"I am writing to inform you that you have been referred by the Crown Attorney's Office to The Salvation Army Positive Lifestyle Diversion Program due to a pending criminal charge. The completion of this program will likely result in the avoidance of a criminal conviction on your pending charge".

The program is a seven week long educational/rehabilitative program and consists of seven meetings.

I realize I have received a very very very lucky break, and I'm obviously enrolling in the program. I have a consultation on August 14th.

Besides the civil demand and this letter, I have not received any other notices regarding the incident (nothing from court itself).

I have a few questions...

Is it likely that I'll still have a court appearance at some point in time? Even though I plan on entering and completing the program? Also, upon completion will there be any evidence of this charge on my criminal record? Is a charge dropped soon after completion of a diversion program, or is there usually some delay?

I need to have a criminal record check before this November to complete some documents for my major. If I have a "pending criminal charge", will it appear on a criminal record check?

[seniorjudge]

Q: Is it likely that I'll still have a court appearance at some point in time?

A: The general answer is yes, but I really know nothing of Canadian law.