Expungement for retail theft

[redgirl]

i was caught shoplifting today, the total was under $50 i think, and the police were called. i was issued a ticket, and the officer informed me that the charge would be on my record forever.

i've been looking around online, and am wondering how to go about getting the charge removed from my record, and if expungement is the solution for that. they gave me a court date if i wish to contest the charge, so i'm wondering if it would be inappropriate to try to get it expunged when i go in for the court date, or if i should contact a lawyer.

oh, and i'm in wisconsin.

any help would be appreciated.
thank you.

[aaron]

You haven't even gone to court yet, and you're thinking about expungement?

What you should be considering is whether there is a sentencing option that allows you to avoid having a conviction - some form of delayed disposition - it's not always possible, but when it is (and you successfully complete a period of probation) you are not convicted of the offense. A local lawyer should be able to guide you through any available options.

[redgirl]

thank you so much!