Edited OP because academic info etc was irrelevant. Just trying to point out that I'm a good-heart person who committed one mistake like many other good people on here.
Security consultant is one of those shady guys who ambushes shoplifters.
The best course of action is to get a lawyer. There is almost no chance you'll get a dismissal outright. Your lawyer will negotiate the diversion.
I just couldn't help myself.
I don't think I can afford a lawyer. Hundreds of people have stated having a lawyer for a first offense petty theft 2nd degree misdeameanor would be a waste of money.
If I DO get a lawyer, what are the chances he/she can help me to dismiss the charges?
Change of dismissal - depends on the evidence. Which they likely have a lot.
Chance of reduced charge or First Time Offenders program - greatly increases with help of an attorney.
Oh...a First Time Offenders or Diversion Program = not free. Expect to pay for that PRIVILEDGE. But atleast that or reduced charge (plea deal) looks better on your record and employment applications.
I think the Pretrial diversion is around $300 which I can easily pay for. Its just now I can't afford anything because my parents don't know, and I depend on them entirely, as I'm still a student. I have around @00$ worth of goods that I can pretty much sell instantly. Just got 50$ today from an uncle etc. I'm applying for a job now, probably at a fast food because they don't care much about crminal records(especially mcdonalds). Of course I will opt for the pretrial diversion program, which many people, including the loss preventention team at the store I stole from, have told me is likely since I'm young and it was my first offense.
And it's privilege btw not priviledge.
So a dismissal is very unlikely since they have total proof I did it? I thought it small misdemeanor cases like this, first offense, they dismiss charges if they feel pity for you or if you can fight for a reason to get this off your record etc.??