If I was arressted for a first time theft in the 5th degree, how do I keep it off my record so I can still go to graduate school?

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If I was arressted for a first time theft in the 5th degree, how do I keep it off my record so I can still go to graduate school?

I was given a notice to appear as I was caught stealing from a store. I have a clean record not even a traffic ticket. I am looking to apply for graduate school in December and would like my record to stay clean. What I did was a first time wrong and pure stupidity on my part.

Asked on August 5, 2012 under Criminal Law, Iowa

Answers:

Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Typically for first time shoplifting/retail fraud offenders, the court will allow you to participate in either a pre-trial diversion program or delayed sentence. With these options, you will be able to have the criminal charges dismissed and not appear on your criminal record once you successfully comply with all court ordered conditions. I would advise you to consult with a criminal defense attorney to help you successfully resolve this matter because you can not afford to have a "fraud" based criminal conviction on your record.


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