Hey Guys in the beginning of May 2009 I got in trouble with Macy's for 50 dollars of shopfraud. They called the cops and filled charges, but no civil demand. I got a lawyer to handle the situation for a 1000 bucks he covers everything even filling for expongement. I been in this process since May and the lawyer has been going to court for me during all this time. Today Aug 10 I got court it's the first time I have to go to court. He said on the phone the other day that I had two options today. Since the prosecutor had offered the pre-trial diversion I could accept it or I could go with my lawyer and fight today to show that I am not guilty. Remember, tho if I am found guilty I will not be able to apply for the diversion program anymore. Reality is that I am guilty, but they dont have a video to back up the fact that I did it intentionally (because I did it in the fitting room). I could try to go to court and act like I forgot to take it out of my pocket before leaving the store but I dont want to risk it, especially since they already offered the diversion program with possibility to exponge. Im a nursing student and I need this out of my record so today I find out what's up with the Diversion and make sure if I can exponge my record. My lawyer said that in 3 months from when I start the diversion program we would file for expongement but I will let you know what happens exacly and what is my diversion program (he said I might have to go and watch a video). I got court at 10 am and I haven't been able to sleep can't wait to get done with this issue.
I wanted to tell you guys know what happened becuase when I got in trouble that i came in here I noticed noone ever came back to talk about how they solved it, but guys let me tell you dont shoplift. dont let 50 bucks become a 1000 in lawyer cost and possibly messing up your record. I know times are tough but if you get in trouble try to find the money and look for a criminal attorney dont solve this by yourself because prosecutors might not be so leniant and you might want someone that knows the system to back you up and won't let you get screwed. I know what I did was wrong but i dont think I deserve to pay for it by messing up my entire future. By the way Im 21 and this was my first offense.
Wish me luck!

