J1 application with Petty theft record -Please help

[leis1]

Hi

I am i need of some advise in regards to my application for a J1 work Visa.
Im an Australian citizen.
While i was on holiday 3.5 years ago in LA (Manhattan Beach) with 2 mates (both US Citizens) that performed a prank. We took a statue from outside a clothing store and drove it around the block to take a few photo's while driving etc etc. Extremely Stupid!

Before we could return it, the owner called the cops and they pulled us over and charged us with petty theft.
We went to court and as I was due to return home (and Bail bonds man had taken my passport) the lawyer we hired advised me to plead guilty and take the fine/probation so i could return home.

My predicament now is that I want to apply for a J1 Student/work Visa to return to the USA.
(I previously was granted a J1 a few years prior to my offense).

Can I expunge/waiver my record and/or can i still apply for the Visa as per normal.

My probation period is over and i was never sentenced to any jail time, it is my first offense. I also have entered the US several times on vacation without any issue at all.


Thank you for your time.
Hope to hear from someone soon.