California MIP

[stealth2]

The problem is, on most college applications (UCLA/Berkley/Stanford) you have to say if you have gotten a misdemeanor, and explain it, and this will definetly hurt my application process.
Is there really no way a minor can have a misdemeanor not go on my record? If not through diversion classes, then maybe through asking for it to become an infraction? This IS my first offense of any kind, and I am for all intents and purposes a very responsible student, and a very high achiever.

Many - if not most - colleges will take a dim view of legal offenses, so yes, it may well affect your admission chances. It's a shame that either your parents didn't educate you to that, or that you chose to ignore the admonition.

 

[codyII]

How does one go about a pre-court diversion settlement?

Whether it's possible would depend on the process in your county.

So.....:

and how does one go about a sit down with a lawyer? just call up anything that comes up on google?

Yeap, probably a good place to start, research it. I would suggest at least a consultation on what your options could be in your specific area.

And

... especially what is going to happen if you blow it.

StevenJ makes a very important point there about agreeing to a sentence. Know every single point.