Hello. I was stopped for shoplifting at a Gottschalks store in California. They did call the police, and I already know that they're pressing charges. It was $72 worth of merchandise. And I'm 26 years old. I've never done anything like that in my life. I'm definitely not going to again. I have no priors. I'd just been really stressed out about money, and it's something I decided to do on impulse. And now I feel sick to my stomach because I've probably destroyed my career prospects. I'm so ashamed and embarassed by what I did.
I was planning to plead guilty, they have me on tape. But my question was..Is there any way to have a shoplifting charge reduced to an infraction if the amount is over $50 ($72 in my case). And is this even preferable? I've been reading the forum, and it sounds like it still comes up in a background check.
I'm a college student with a 3.9. I was planning on becoming a teacher. That requires me to get a state credential. A misdemeanor conviction will come up in a background check for a state government job even if it's expunged, doesn't it? I was planning on getting a public defender because I really can't afford an attorney. I'd be willing to do about anything to have this dismissed and keep it off my record. I'd pay about any fine or do any amount of community service. Are diversion programs mostly just for underage offenders, or can anyone apply for them?
Any advice at all would be appreciated.

