[kmjello]

I was apprehended outside of the store. I had about 100$ worth of senhora makeup in my bag. I was arrested and dismissed in two hours. The cops were extremely kind and helpful. I will be going to court in February. I want to get a lawyer to represent me I am a promising medical school and am 20 years old at the moment. It was a stupid stupid mistake that I can't mess me life up for. Any advice? What will happen if the charges do not get dropped? Also, since I have not gone t o court yet, if I apply for a job will this situation come up on my background check already or only after the court case?
Thank you so much for all your input.

[AK lawyer]

It depends on what is asked on the employment application. If you are asked "have you ever been charged with a crime", you should answer yes, and try to put the best spin possible on it. Otherwise, if are later found to have lied on your application that would be an additional black mark against you.

[joypulv]

Hire a lawyer to take away all the worry between now and February. It depends on what the store's individual policy is. Some will accept restitution plus legal fees, usually in the hundreds of dollars. But that doesn't mean that they will drop the charges, and that's why you should hire a lawyer.
As for jobs, I think all the applications I recall asked if I had ever been convicted, not charged.