Permanent U.S. Resident Caught Shoplifting

[summer101202]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: North Carolina.

Hello, I was caught stealing clothes at Macy's and the truth is that I had done it before. I I don't know at what point I decided not to be a decent person. I was raised that if I found a nickel at home it wasn't mine and it had an owner so I know better that that but I do know I'm wrong, I've been even stealing diet sugar packets (that I don't use or need) because it makes me feel good, the salt shaker at a restaurant once, a toy, clothes but mostly random things, that day I was with my 2 year old and 5 months old, I just went to return something to Macy's it was supposed to be in and out but instead of leaving I stopped at the kids section and just started taking things (not the size of my kids) all boy clothes then I realized how much I had and just put it back all together on the nearest rack.

I left but when I was about halfway the mall I felt I needed to take it so I returned and put it all in my purse. As I was walking out for the second time they stopped me and took me to the office where I was apprehended (well deserved) then given a civil demand and because the amount of what I took was about $630 they had to call the cops ($600!!!!!) Police officers came and check my background, then gave me a "North Carolina Uniform Citation" and thankfully let me go with my kids (yes I'm immensely ashamed of my behavior and how it has affected them and will continue to affect them)

I haven't spoken about this with anyone as it's so embarrassing and I know I'm in trouble. I'm so scared to tell my husband because although I'm a stay at home mom and don't work at this moment, he's always provided everything that I've needed or wished for. Plus he had already apprehended me before for taking the salt at the restaurant and also a chocolate bar from Walmart, he said if I ever get caught and deported to forget about him and the kids because I have no need for that and that's stealing. I can't say that I didn't listened because I did and I knew the seriousness of it, i just want to take things so bad, even after this incident I still tried to take things at a supermarket on Saturday morning but put them back and paid for every single thing I took. (I only put them back because I started thinking about my kids and forced myself, but otherwise I was ready to steal again)

My questions are: I am a permanent resident and was supposed to mail my citizenship application today. In the application I had written negative for all criminal or traffic ticket questions as I've never had been stopped by a police officer but now that has changed.

So my questions are Should I send it now since I haven't been to court yet or wait until I go to court on February 13th? Will I go to jail? It was $630 that I stole!!! Can this stay I'm currently enrolled to become an RN, will I be able to get a job with this on my record? I'm already looking to enroll in a shoplifting program so that I can stop this behavior and will also do community service as a way to punish myself and make better choices next time.

I have an appointment to see my mental health counselor tomorrow and talk about switching my depression medication to see if my anxiety can decrease, I had talked about doing this since last appt, I will Pay Macy's Civil demand for $150 (the least I can do) and wait for February 13th I'm also looking for a lawyer, idk how I'll get so much money for all of this but I got myself in this, now I have to get me out.

Honestly I'm posting because I need to talk to somebody, I know nothing that I could steal will amount to the price I have to pay now. Which looks like I'd have to start looking for a job so I can afford the problem I caused, put my kids in childcare instead of raising them myself, a bad record that will affect persuing an education, a job, a house loan and my credit. My marriage is also affected, a possible deportation, my parents disappointment, money (I've got like $35 to my name right now) and my peace of mind knowing that I am a criminal and no longer will be considered an honest and trustworthy person. And of course I will continue to pray, so that this process can work out in my favor the best way possible.

[flyingron]

First, you're going to need two lawyers. One to deal with your criminal charge and one for your immigration issues. Rarely do reasonable attorneys specialize in both.

I don't think you read your N-400 carefully. The N-400 asks about crimes you committed that you weren't arrested for. You did explain to them that you have repeatedly committed CRIMES INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE? You understand that these not only are possibly a bar to citizenship, but can be used to end your legal status in the US?
You don't get any points for having filled out the form before you were arrested. You can guarantee that they will ask subsequently if there are any changes that aren't reflected in the filed N-400. Further, you can expect that even if continue your evasion, that a simple background check will find your pending charges. You should not MAIL that N-400 now without running it by your attorney.

[Taxing Matters]

Rarely do reasonable attorneys specialize in both.

But it is common for unreasonable attorneys to specialize in both? I agree that not a lot of attorneys specialize in both those areas of law, just not sure what being reasonable has to do with it.