Summary Offense Retail Theft

My question involves criminal law for the state of: PA

I was recently charged with a summary offense retail theft. The cop let me follow him to the barracks and was extremely nice to me the entire time. I'm 19 years old so it will obviously go on my record. It was my first offense and all of the merch was given back. It wasn't a large amount of money at all. The cop told me I should be able to pay and fine and see if I could do community service and maybe a class so it wouldn't go on my record.
So my question is, if I do enough to get it so it DOESN'T go on my record, could this affect my chances of becoming a nurse?

I have done a lot of research and it mostly says it wants to know about OBVIOUSLY!! felonies and child abuse/ drug and alcohol issues, but says summary offenses are not required.

Am I totally screwed?

Quote:

---

Am I totally screwed?

---

Not totally. Here's the link for the PA codes...comb thru them.
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/04...chap21toc.html

It shouldn't prevent you from becoming a nurse but it will sure put some road blocks up for you. It's likely to show up on the background check that is required.
You should hire a local attorney, one familiar with programs available in your area. Do what you can to keep this off your record. Even if you get your RN license, employers don't like to hire theifs when you are working around controlled narctoics.

Theres always a chance yes

What's always a chance? That I'm totally screwed? I was basically told by the cop that this shouldn't ruin my chances in the future because it's so minor and I should be able to get rid of it.

If say, I do get it off, will anyone still be able to know that I got it?

The likihood is low but no one here can guarantee it will forever be hidden from view.

thank you very much for your insight!!!

Were you arrested or just given a ticket?

I was technically "arrested" but I was never put in handcuffs or a cop car, he let me follow him up to the police barracks. Unfortunately I got fingerprinted and got my picture taken. He was really nice to me at least. He said I may hopefully just have to pay for the fine and not have to go to court.

Then the "arrest" will appear on your record