My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey (NJ).
I am 30 and a foreign national currently in US on work permit. I was arrested by police for shoplifting of items of a scanty value of $5 in Somerset County of NJ. This is my first offence and I do not have any prior criminal history. My first appearance date in court is scheduled on 15th Feb. I am not in a position to hire a private lawyer. I would like to know if I can request for (first time offender) diversion program on my own considering this is disorderly person charges ? Is it true that if I plead guilty, I'll be convicted and will have permanent criminal record? Is there a way to avoid criminal record in such case, without hiring a private lawyer? (because I cannot afford to pay more than $300 to a lawyer, whereas hiring a private lawyer will cost much more than that). Please advise.

