International Student Charged with Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado

I am an international student in Colorado. I was caught shoplifting 3 days ago for the total amount of $450. This was the first time and last time! I'm so ashamed and embarrassed. The police officer gave me a ticket and I have to go to court in about a month. The ticket says: Violation 38-51.5 Shoplifting [017182] Class UC. What does class UC mean? What will happen to me? Is there any way that I can avoid having a criminal record? What about my immigration status? Thanks in advance for the advice.

Quote:

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Quoting Denver Code of Ordinances, Sec. 38-51.5. Shoplifting unlawful; retail theft.

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It shall be unlawful for any person to take or conceal or exercise control over any goods, wares or merchandise (property) of another which is displayed or in any other manner offered for sale and which has an aggregate value of less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), when the person intends to avoid payment for the merchandise or knowingly deprives the person entitled to possession of the property of the use and benefit of the property.

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You should consult a lawyer about the possibility of getting into a diversion program or getting a deferred sentence.

If you're worried about your immigration status, don't commit crimes. A single misdemeanor shoplifting offense is likely to fall under the petty offense exception, such that you're not disqualified from getting or keeping a visa, but crimes involving moral turpitude are taken seriously and even with the applicability of the petty offense exception your choice to commit crimes while a guest in the U.S. can potentially have ramifications on future entry.

Thank you. I am not a bad person or a criminal and I still cannot understand why I did this. I am truly ashamed and sorry. I certainly don't expect anyone to understand. Would a diversion program avoid this to be in a criminal record? What is a deferred sentence?

$450, you are not a first time shoplifter. You are a first time CAUGHT shoplifter. The value of the merchandise will be noted by the Prosecutor and the Judge.

If you get Deferred, you will have a Criminal History for a period of time that you are on probation. You can expect court costs and fines. And the store/it's lawyers will be sending you a Civil Demand letter. You can expect this incident to cost you several thousand dollars. Your name may be entered into a National Retail Theft Database for 7 years. If you are on a scholarship or financial aid, there is a chance of losing that. Also, it will make finding a job very difficult as long as it is on your record.