Need serious advice!

[HopefultobeRN]

Ok, so I am 3 months away from graduating my RN program. A few months ago, i unknowingly left a store with an unpaid mascara in my cart. I honestly had no idea it was in there (it was under my coat which was also in my cart). I paid for my items and rolled my cart out. I was immediately stopped by loss prevention and taken to a little room. I tried to explain what happened and offered to pay for it. He wasn't having any of that, and he called the police. I also explained this in court where they said my only option was to take a pretrial deal, or go to trial (over a $10 mascara i had no intention of stealing) and it would be dismissed after 6 months probation. I am a 40 year old single mom trying to self pay through school and literally had no way to lawyer up, so I took the pretrial. I was told that i did not have to disclose this to anyone, and could mark no convictions on any applications, but that doesn't seem to be the case with BON.

With only months left until graduation, I am now seriously distraught about what this will do to me in regards to getting my license. I am not a criminal, I am not a thief. This was literally an honest mistake, and an unknown one.

I am in the state of Georgia. I know shoplifting is a HUGE deal when it comes to nursing. Is it true that I don't have to disclose this info like the courts told me?!? And if I do disclose it, is it likely I will be denied my license? I have worked too hard for this, I will be absolutely devastated if me not checking my cart ruins my career/life.