F1 Student Shoplifting at Macy's in New York City

I am an undergraduate college student from Sri Lanka on F1 Visa which expires in 2012. I cam to the USA in January,2007.

I was caught for shoplifting at Macy's store in NYC last Friday night (11-16-07). I tried to take some items (two belts, two wallets, a watch, and two small jewelry) worth of $230. I was taken to custody when I tried to walk out the store and put handcuffs and taken to a small jail inside the store. Then I found that the people who caught me were police officers.

Then they asked me to pay a fine of $500 which I paid using my debit card. Then I was taken to a police station where they took my fingerprints. After that I was taken to central booking in Manhattan Saturday morning and kept in that jail until Sunday.

On Sunday evening, I was given a lawyer from the court. And I explained to him about me and my case. Then I went to see the judge with this lawyer. The judge released me and gave me a pink colored document. According to this document I am convicted of Penal Law 240.20 and am sentenced by the Court to a One Year Conditional Discharge to expire on 11-14-08. I must pay a mandatory surcharge and a crime victim assistance fee in the amount of $95 and perform Community Service 1 Day. Also It says "NO" under "ORDER OF PROTECTION". I have to appear in Court on 01-24-2008 to show that I have complied with these punishments.

I was given another piece of paper which I have to get signed when I complete my Community Service. and I'm going tomorrow to make an appointment for Community Service.

I am planning to go to my country on 12-22-2007 and come back on 01-22-2008. So, I have a couple of questions to get answered. They are as follows.

1/ What kind of a crime have I committed?
2/ Is it possible for me to go in this trip and come to the USA safely?
3/ Do immigration officers check for criminal records when I enter the USA?
4/ If it is possible for me to go in this trip, are there any additional documents that I need to carry with me to show to the immigration officers at the port of entry in case they ask me about my custody?

I'm really stressed out because of this stupid mistake that I have done. I'm a poor student who pays the tuition by doing part time jobs. Therefore, I cannot afford to pay for lawyers. Please help me. I beg you.

Quote:

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Quoting New York Penal Code § 240.20 Disorderly conduct.

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A person is guilty of disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause
public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk
thereof:

1. He engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior; or
2. He makes unreasonable noise; or
3. In a public place, he uses abusive or obscene language, or makes an obscene gesture; or
4. Without lawful authority, he disturbs any lawful assembly or meeting of persons; or
5. He obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic; or
6. He congregates with other persons in a public place and refuses to comply with a lawful order of the police to disperse; or
7. He creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose.

Disorderly conduct is a violation.

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It is possible for any criminal activity to affect immigration. A conviction for a violation is unlikely to affect you immigration. If you are questioned about encounters with law enforcement or the courts, you need to answer truthfully. If you wish, you can get a copy of the disposition sheet from the court, which would document the resolution of the charge as a violation.

I obtained a disposition certificate and a copy of the statute which says that 240.20 is a violation rather than a crime. I can also bring the tuition bill and the transcript of my current college. Is there a chance that I would be deported at the point of entry even though I have these documents?

You chose to commit a crime. As you were told, it is possible for criminal acts to affect your immigration. You have been told that with this outcome it is unlikely. Beyond that, you'll have to see what happens at the port of entry.

A "violation" is NOT a Crime and will not be on your record. It's more like a speeding ticket. I'm sure as employers, Immigration people, may ask about Crimes, not violations.
Why steal if you have soo much to lose? crazy. Why did you need Two wallets if you don't have much more to put in them?

Quote:

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Quoting shahrzad

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A "violation" is NOT a Crime and will not be on your record. It's more like a speeding ticket. I'm sure as employers, Immigration people, may ask about Crimes, not violations.

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There was an underlying crime. The plea bargain was for a violation.