Immigrant Charged With Shoplifting

I got involved for the first time in a shoplifting case of less than $400.
Pls PLS help me answer following:
I need a sincere advice on following:

1. Whether i need to hire a lawyer to take this case to diversion or community service or pay for the items and do not let the case to next hearing or take up a Victim-Offender Program for low-level property crimes and other minor offenses
2. What is a diversion program?
3. What is a Victim-Offender Program for low-level property crimes and other minor offenses?
2. Can i get free lawyer before next sentence as my husband is the only bread earner with $50000 p.a. and since its only 3.5 months our financial status as of now does not let us have a free money of more than $1000 which could be either paid with lawyer fees.
3. Got to know from Greenwood city court that the public lawyer would be available only after judge hears the case and that i can come with my own paid lawyer. Would it affect the situation if i go alone along with my husband and requests for a diversion or Victim-Offender Program for low-level property crimes and other minor offenses?
4. Generally how much time is there between a preliminary enquiry and the trial date
5. Will my records be circulated to all immigration centers and I wont be allowed to leave the country for even any urgent matters immediately after the preliminary enquiry?

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Quoting new2US

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I got involved for the first time in a shoplifting case of less than $400.
Pls PLS help me answer following:
I need a sincere advice on following:

1. Whether i need to hire a lawyer to take this case to diversion or community service or pay for the items and do not let the case to next hearing or take up a Victim-Offender Program for low-level property crimes and other minor offensesYour facing criminal charges yes you need a lawyer
2. What is a diversion program?Diversion programs vary so ask your Attorney but generally they keep convictions off your record
3. What is a Victim-Offender Program for low-level property crimes and other minor offenses?Ask your Attorney programs vary and are called by various names
2. Can i get free lawyer before next sentence as my husband is the only bread earner with $50000 p.a. and since its only 3.5 months our financial status as of now does not let us have a free money of more than $1000 which could be either paid with lawyer fees.Whether you qualify for Public defender or not is up to court all you can do is apply and see
3. Got to know from Greenwood city court that the public lawyer would be available only after judge hears the case and that i can come with my own paid lawyer. Would it affect the situation if i go alone along with my husband and requests for a diversion or Victim-Offender Program for low-level property crimes and other minor offenses?Another question for your Attorney and you might meet with one before this many offer free office visits and thus you can be armed with information before meeting with public defender
4. Generally how much time is there between a preliminary enquiry and the trial dateThat can vary depending on court dockets, motions etc
5. Will my records be circulated to all immigration centers and I wont be allowed to leave the country for even any urgent matters immediately after the preliminary enquiry?

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Talk with an Attorney familar with imigration law

Thanks a lot for your response Panther.Pls help me with few more:
5. Will my records be circulated to all immigration centers and I wont be allowed to leave the country for even any urgent matters immediately after the preliminary enquiry?
6. If my husband assignment ends before the trial date can i not be allowed to leave the country?
7. Am i a criminal with a theft of less than $400 and being new to this place and unknown to the laws and consequences can i not be pardoned ?
8. What’s the best and worst that can happen?
9. Can i go to first hearing with my husband answering for me as I don’t understand English that well?
10. What's the legal implications my husband would face if I leave the country before preliminary enquiry?
11. What's the legal implications my husband would face if I leave the country after preliminary enquiry but before trial date?
12. Can i request for a diversion program in the preliminary hearing if i go without a lawyer?
13. What should i do in nutshell? i am in a trauma along with my husband who understands me but can not do anything as he is also not aware of the laws and does not really know whether to put the available $1000 for the lawyer or ask the judge for a diversion and pay Superstore the money for the item ?
14. Can i face a deportation?
15. Should i specify my work status (EAD applied)and VISA (dependent VISA L1) status in court?

Quote:

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Quoting new2US

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Thanks a lot for your response Panther.Pls help me with few more:
5. Will my records be circulated to all immigration centers and I wont be allowed to leave the country for even any urgent matters immediately after the preliminary enquiry?I have no way of knowing that but if they check your background this will likely come up
6. If my husband assignment ends before the trial date can i not be allowed to leave the country?Ther eis no hold on you other thanpromise to appear so I will assume you can leave ask your Attorney
7. Am i a criminal with a theft of less than $400 and being new to this place and unknown to the laws and consequences can i not be pardoned ?A pardon comes from the Governor and thats only long after a conviction. talk to your Attorney about diversion programs
8. What’s the best and worst that can happen?Sorry but the crsytal ball is out for repair
9. Can i go to first hearing with my husband answering for me as I don’t understand English that well?Have your Attorney speak for you
10. What's the legal implications my husband would face if I leave the country before preliminary enquiry?None he committed no crime
11. What's the legal implications my husband would face if I leave the country after preliminary enquiry but before trial date?H eis not charged only you
12. Can i request for a diversion program in the preliminary hearing if i go without a lawyer?You could but I do not suggest you do tha tyou have much to lose and you are not aware of all the laws
13. What should i do in nutshell? i am in a trauma along with my husband who understands me but can not do anything as he is also not aware of the laws and does not really know whether to put the available $1000 for the lawyer or ask the judge for a diversion and pay Superstore the money for the item ?You should consult an Attorney familar with imigration law and criminal law
14. Can i face a deportation?Not my call
15. Should i specify my work status (EAD applied)and VISA (dependent VISA L1) status in court?

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You should follow your Attorneys advice

Thanks a lot Panther I am going to seek a lawyer tomorrow my hearing is due next week. Hope everything turns out well. And I am going to be silent and let my lawyer handle the case. Could you pls suggest any Dos and Dont's in this kind of case and I hope I can get the charges done away.

Do listen to your Lawyer
Dont open your mouth