Yes, I understand the penalties are the same, and I actually agree with that aspect of the law. But the attorney said there is more wiggle room to bargain with the DA and get it down to an infraction that won't go on the permanent record.
Anyway it seems unlikely they'll file a police report. I confessed to my psychiatrist and I think I can stop now, because I am always brutally honest with him. I can't lie to him. And he is not going to let me go on thinking this is not a serious thing. Plus reading about the permanent record scared me.

