Caught Shoplifting at Walmart, New York

[Idiot Boyfriend]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York

At walmart i stole $26.50 worth of merchandise; $1.50 over Walmarts $25 policy. Walmart will be sending me a civil demand letter most likely five times the ammount of $26.50, which is no problem. I hid the items in my girlfriends purse, without her knowing. They are charging us both for Petit Larceny. Shes finishing up college for nursing, and will soon be applying for hospital positions. We both have a clean record, and this was an isolated incident.

Will we be able to have a diversion in New York state for this offense?

If there is no way for a diversion, how sucessful would a not guilty plea for my girlfriend be?

What are the chances of getting these Petit Larceny charges dropped or lowered? (civil demand will be paid)

How can my girlfriend be charged when she didn't know what i was doing? (her purse was in my possession)

Can a misdemeanor affect my girlfriends job search in a hospital?

please no lectures i know it was painfully stupid

[free9man]

You might be able to get a diversion but you really ought to consult a lawyer. It is in your girlfriend's best interest to try and make this go away completely. I would get a lawyer and try to negotiate you falling on your sword and taking whatever comes your way in exchange for dropping the charges against your girlfriend.

Lowered? Maybe. Dropped? No way in hell for you and the snowball is melting for your girlfriend.

Depending on the full facts, the DA may drop the charges against your GF if they truly believe she didn't know. They have to be able to prove she knew.

Yup, a crime will most definitely affect her job search. Possible even her getting a license.

[PandorasBox]

Your girlfriend can be charged for these reasons:
1. She was obviously in the store with you.
2. Her purse was used to conceal the stolen merchandise.

so in the eyes of the law she appears to have been working with you.

As for your girlfriend: Hell yes, you using your girlfriend purses to do your shoplifting....well....let's see...

Nursing.....

She can have access to narcotic drugs to steal and sell on the street.
She can have access to unconscious patients purses, personal property (including valuable jewelry, money.....). Or access to patients property while they are out of the room for testing....

So hell yes, because of your actions, her degree may be useless.
As Freeman said...you need to talk to a lawyer, about taking 100% of the blame for your actions. Your girlfriend will need a lawyer, too...and you should do the right thing and pay for her legal fees....

[bam!]

You are an idiot boyfriend