Shoplifting in Georgia

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Georgia.

I was caught shoplifting from walmart (Lawrenceville, Georgia) on 9th Aug with merchandise worth $60.40 (ie. misdemeanor shoplifting case)
Cops were called and I was taken for finger prints and photographs and also received a citation to appear in court on 2nd Sept.
I am a non US citizen and came to US for some project work through my parent company in India. I will be in US for next 4-5 months.
This is my first offense and I have following questions:

1. If I am going for pretrial diversion program and in middle of that program if my company sends me back to India, how will it affect my case??
2. If I am successfully completing my pretrial diversion program, will I have to present myself in court to get my records clear ? or the records will be erased on its own ??
3. What is the salary criteria for getting a public defender ?
4. If I am not able to complete my pretrial diversion program, will it affect me if I again apply for US visa ?
5. If I am on PTD program, will it reflect in my history that I am a criminal?
6. If on court date I go without attorney, will I be given a chance to talk to prosecutor and can I convince them to settle the case out of court ??

I am very much confused and shameful for what I have done. I came to US to make my career and ended up doing such a humiliating thing.

I am totally helpless and request to help me out of this problem.

Thank You in advance.

1. You would need to discuss the eventuality with the court and/or PTD representative should you get it.
2. Expungement in GA is very limited. I saw one exception where you can get that in your agreement for PTD. You would still have to wait 5 years and have a clean record. I'm not 100% sure if the clock stops on the 5 years if you leave the country.
3. If you earn more than 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, not sure what that is off the top of my head, or 150% if obtaining representation on your dime would be a hardship (have to discuss that with the Court).
4. If you do not satisfactorily discharge/complete your PTD and leave the country, a warrant may be issued for your arrest on the original charge and/or unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The former may impact your ability to get a new VISA the latter WILL impact your ability to get a new VISA.
5. If you do not get it expunged, yes it will reflect you were convicted of shoplifting. Even if you do, records still exist that may be accessbile to the agency conducting a background check for a future VISA.
6. You can certainly try approaching the prosecutor and try to plea bargain. Gwinnett's DAs can sometimes be amenable to such ideas but it will still require you to plead guilty/nolo to something and probably try for first offender status. It might help to mention that your company may be recalling you out of the country soon...might make them more willing to plea since they know the odds are good you won't be doing anything else naughty in their jurisdiction. But I would run that part by a qualified immigration and/or criminal defense attorney before trying it....just in case.

Actually, having just done some quick reading on criminal records and VISAs/immigration I would STRONGLY recommend you seek advice from a qualified immigration and/or criminal defense attorney.

Thanks for the reply ...

I hope to get out of this very soon ..

Hello,
I have some more questions:

1. Can I appeal for PTD program without an attorney ?? If yes, what procedure do I need to follow?

2. What can be the possible outcome if I accept my mistake in front of Judge?

Thanks

Since you are working on a VISA.....

You really need a lawyer who is knowledgeable in both Criminal Defense and Immigration. www.yellowpages.com