[FLDukie]

Hi, I normally won't do this, but being arrested for the first time tends to keep you up at night while you await a decision.

Here's the scenario: I admitted to processing 4 seperate transactions as refunds and placing them on my credit card at the retail store I was working at. All 4 transactions were roughly around $100 each. The store called me one day after I had left the company and I willfully came in and admitted to my wrongdoing. Subsequently an officer arrived later and I was arrested. Spent a night in county jail and I am convinced losing your freedom is the worst thing that can happen to a human being. I have hired an experienced lawyer and have cut a check to the company paying back the money I processed to my card. My lawyers keep telling me "diversion, diversion" but I keep thinking about that one night in jail and the worst that can happen. I'm 26 years old and have never been in trouble before, but I need to rest. Can anyone possibly tell me what kind of punishment I am looking at? 3 different lawyers have told me that I am scott free as soon as the prosecutor sees that I have paid that money back, but it's a long dragging process before it's all settled. Any consoling help would be much appreciated.

[4eyedbuzzard]

Hopefully for you, you will get diversion, and the best advice anyone here can give you is to communicate with and listen to your attorney.

Consider all your worrying part of the punishment. Yeah, incarceration sucks. It's supposed to. Even the thought of it makes most people cringe. It's supposed to.

You're 26, this is going to drag out a bit but be over sooner than later. For the most part you've got your whole adult life ahead of you. This won't be your proudest moment. You failed in your duty as an honest citizen, but it's not like you're an axe murderer or something. Do what needs to be done to make things right and move on.

[FLDukie]

Update on my case and a question for anyone that may know. My case has been set for a Case Management Conference that I guess determines where this case can go. I don't know if that is good or bad. The amount of money I took was a little under $550 and I've since paid it back. I'm a first time offender so I'm hoping for the best and a quick resolution. Anyone know what I can expect at the CMC?? Thanks.