College with a misdemeanor

Hi, I have been really scared lately about applying to to colleges because I have received a Class B misdemeanor for theft. I admit that I messed up seriously, and I put all the blame for letting myself roll with the wrong crowd and let myself lower my morals and get into this kind of thing. I have changed since the incident, but I was wondering if I could have someone’s 2 cent on what I could do to show colleges I am no near like this anymore. It really does haunt me, and I’m unsure if my future can even go the way I want it to… thank you for answering, it is really appreciated!

Were you convicted ? Plead guilty? Offered deferred adjudication ?

Theft is bad. If a conviction shows up or is revealed in your applications, then some may assume that this is not your first appearance in the system & that you had already used your “first time forgiveness” option such as deferred adjudication.