Caught Stealing and Hope to Still Go to Medical School

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan

Today I was caught with a $9 item at a local store. I was taken to a room by LP and they gave me a civil fee of 10x the value of the item. They said they will be submitting paperwork to the county prosecutor's office and they will decide whether or not to press charges. I have already spoken with a lawyer and have been instructed to pay the civil fee immediately or there will be no grounds for bargaining with the prosecutor. The county of the crime has a diversion program for first time offenders, which I am. I have no criminal history whatsoever. My lawyer is fairly confident that I will qualify for such a program. My question is weather this diversion program will show up on my record or not? My lawyer says that if I am never convicted of the crime the record will be sealed within the courthouse. Is this accurate? I am 24 years old and will be applying for medical school in approximately 7 months and I don't want this to inhibit my chances of being accepted or to affect me down the road with state medical licensing. I know that this was a very, very stupid mistake and I am just hoping that $9 doesn't ruin my career.

Your original charge will show up on a thorough criminal background check. As will the reduced charge. Most likely, a quick search on your State Police Department website (with a fee) will show: arrest charge, what the prosecutor charged you with; and your plea bargain charge.

24...you may want to re-think Med School at this point. Research your state laws and jobs where you want to work...because it is a bad job market out there....and you may find the money you spend is wasted because of a criminal record.

Oh yeah...if you are going to school on Scholarship or Financial Aid...the shoplifting charge will equal likely end that aid.

PandorasBox,

I addressed the issue of Financial Aid and you only become ineligible if convicted of a felony or drug charges while receiving aid.