Shoplifting In Virginia

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia

OK, so I made a huge mistake and I shoplifted at a Wal-Mart in Virginia. It was the first time I have ever done anything like this and, of course, I got caught. I feel awful. I did my very best to cooperative fully. I was not arrested. I was given a citation and a date for arraignment. I was informed by store security that I would be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor and most likely just given a fine to pay since this is my first offense of any kind. Here is my dilemma: I have a professional license in the health care field. A misdemeanor on my record would prevent me from being able to renew my license at the end of the year. The incident happened yesterday (Friday) evening and I have not been able to contact any attorneys as it is the weekend. I am driving myself crazy trying to figure out what my options are! Can anyone tell me if there are ways to avoid having this on my record? Like I said, it was a huge mistake and completely NOT worth it! :wallbang:

Also, the store security people were discussing another shoplifter and stated that they were going to call her place of employment and tell them that she had been caught shoplifting in their store. One of the security people then asked me where I worked, what I did, and what department I was in. Are they able to call my place of employment and disclose that information? How does that work?

Find a criminal defense Attorney and ask him about Diversion and if available do you qualify?

I have to wait until Monday for attorney offices to open. My arraignment is on Tuesday. Is that enough time?

Also, what are the options for diversion programs? I have never been in any sort of legal trouble and this is all unfamiliar territory for me!

Your court date and time are not that important. If you do not have an Attorney by court and make request judge will continue case. Diversion programs are not available everywhere and vary but in short they act like a conviction but once you complete program no conviction appears on your record

Thank you very much for your help. I am in a complete panic.

Is the LP person from WalMart able to call my employer?

Do you mean can they pick up the phone sure they can but why would they?

I don't know. I'm just freaked out. I am afraid that if they tell my employer what has happened, that I will lose my job. I understand that I have to face the facts if I am convicted and the misdemeanor does go on my record.

I am not looking for sympathy, but to explain where I am, I'm VERY pregnant and ready to pop at any moment. My due date is just a few days away. Now is definitely not a time that I can afford to lose my job or benefits. Yet another reason why I am beating myself up over doing something so incredibly stupid!


Also, I've read a few other threads about people doing diversion programs. I see where the misdemeanor remains off the record but several people say that an arrest stays on your record. I was never handcuffed, finger printed, or taken to the police station. I was never read any rights or questioned by the police. I assume that all adds up to not being arrested. In that case, if I do qualify for a diversion program, will anything show up on my record at all?

I seriously doubt that they will call your place of employment and tell them that you're a shoplifter. They probably told the other suspect that to scare her. Perhaps she works at another store at the mall and the LPO likely knows the LP at that store. Did you actually tell them where you work? :(

The reason they won't is simply for liability reasons. Yes, they know that you shoplifted, but the whole situation just smacks of potential slander/libel lawsuits. Even if they got a full confession from you, it seems rather risky for them to call your employer out of the blue and announce this. And really, I doubt the LP even has time for that!

There are other ways your employer could find out :( - Your name and picture will probably be kept in a book/online at the store, that LP and management employees will have access to. You never know if one of the LP or other employees at the store you shoplifted from knows someone you work with. Or, if an employee at court is the spouse of one of your coworkers. I like to call these "outside chances," and while they are possible, they are definitely not probable.