Caught Shoplifting in New Jersey

I am eighteen years old and live in New York. Yesterday my friends and I went shopping in New Jersey. We were joking around about shoplifting and irresponsibly tried to shoplift some clothing. We were caught on our way out and the store manager called the police. The officer wrote us up for a misdemeanor and said it would be on our permanent records. I am currently awaiting my court hearing forms to show up in the mail. This is my first offense, and the items I took came out to a total of $48.00. Is it possible to somehow remove this from my permanent record? Also, am I qualified for any diversion programs that can prevent a criminal record?

Diversion programs vary consult with an Attorney about Diversion in your area and if you quailfy

Do you think I should plead guilty or not? Will that make a difference in getting accepted into a diversion program? Do you think I am qualified for a diversion program at 18 years of age?

These are questions for your Attorney

If you are given probation does that mean you will have a crimnal record or will not?

Yes, you will still have a record. After a period of time you may be eligible for an expungement of your record.

Which is why you should be discussing diversion with your Attorney

I told my friend who was also caught that we should ask for a Public Defender on our trial, however, she is not eagar and just wants to get this done and over with. If I ask for a PD in my case and she does not, does that effect me in any way? Is it possible to ask someone before or during the hearing about diversion programs without any lawyer present?

You can but its best to have legal representation with you to get best possible outcome

If I ask for a PD in my case and my friend does not, does that effect me in any way? Also, do you have any idea of whom I should mention about diversion programs on the hearing date? Thank you for all your informative information, it has been very helpful.