My question involves criminal law for the state of: Vermont. I am a 21 year old university student, and I was caught shoplifting at a Khols in Vermont. This is the first time I have been caught shoplifting. The police were called in and took my information and finger printed me. The value of the goods I took was $69. I was stopped just after leaving the store and I immediately confessed and was cooperative. I was given a mandatory date to appear in court (end of July) and I plan to hire a lawyer. The police officer said that he was recomending me to a program in which I would do community service or something instead of going to court (is this a diversion program?), but that he could not guarantee that this would be an option. What are the chances that I am able to do a program such as this? Is there any way that I could increase that chance? Is it possible to have some sort of settlement without going to court? If I do end up going to court what are the chances that I could end up with jail time for a first (and last) time offence?

