F1 student charged for shoplifting, need help!!!

D

depressedj

Registered Users (C)
I am a student with f1 visa in Oregon. I was really depressed recently and wondered to another nearby city on Sunday. I was carrying $400 DVDs walking out of Costco when the store security stopped me at the door. I didn't know why I did it, but I felt really numb for what happened before the police was called. I had no any other previous record, so the policy did not arrest me but gave me a citation. I am working a lawyer who said he dealt with a similar case before that resulted in a dismissal. I guess this is my best chance. Right now, I am seeing a therapist to deal with my depression. And my lawyer told me that he will contact with Costco and try to get them drop the charge. But he can not promise anything.

My question is if I get dismissal, how this will affect me if I leave and apply for a new f1 visa. and what will happen when I re-enter US at the airport. Will I be rejected for the visa or the entry? I am graduating in a year. How would this affect my future job in the US and h1 visa? Is there anything that I can do? or just wait until my lawyer tells me what to do?

I cannot even sleep after what has happened, and feel even depressed more.
 
Why are you worrying

Common Man,

Things will happens, why should you worry. Don't repeat it again. You were not arrested and not even finger printed I think, I don't know the reason why you are depressed. Take it easy, if you are not finger printed, there is no need to worry.

If charges dismissed, Thats all, you record will be clean again.

Talk to the lawyer and ask them to dismiss the charge,

Talk to Costco customer service and request them to help you out, Costco
customer service is good. Don't admit the your fault while talking.

Get the opinion from Lawyer

Thanks
 
Thank you florence620!

I have had depression for a long time and went to see doctor several times. I haven't done anything bad to myself or to anybody else until I picked up those DVDs at Costco without any reason.

Now I am driving three hours round trip to see a good psychiatrist, at least to show my commitment to get myself out of the depression and do not do stupid things again.

I still have questions about my case: My lawyer told me that Costco is have a big loss due to the shoplifting, so I am not sure what is the chance that they will drop the case. You said "don't admit the fault", I am not sure how to follow this advice. After all I did it.
 
what is my chance? please help.

I have been waiting so nervously, and somtimes I could not even fall asleep. Is there anybody can tell me that what is the chance that Costco might drop the case? Please Help.
 
I went to the court with my lawyer. The court give me an option to plea guilty for misdemeanor with $69 fine with $20 court fee. However, I cannot plea guilty because of the future visa issue. My lawyer is trying to talk to Costco to drop the charge, but he is not very optimistic. He is not sure if a violation instead of misdemeanor would help. Anyone has any idea on this one? Please help me!!!!

Meanwhile I am still seeing a therapist for depression. She and my doctor in town have increased my anti-depressant dosage several times, it seems help little.
 
The charge is dropped. However, my lawyer told me that I still need to have a arrest record expunged even though I was not fingerprinted. I may need to go to Canada for a family get-together. I am afraid that I will be stopped by the custom for questions or being refused for entry. Who can give me some insight on this question? Does anyone know that if this record will affect my job searching?

Please Help!!!
 
Don't worry too much!

Why are you depressed if you don't mind?

Try not to be...enjoy life because it's too short...be calm, patient and everything will be ok...just see the bright side....in the end everything will be resolved.
Everyone is going sometimes through tough periods....with patience and understanding you will pass them and everything will be ok.....be happy that you are healthy, you have the possibility of being in U.S to study...as you mentioned.
Don't worry...be happy!

Enjoy life!:)
 
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