Caught shoplifting in Macy's

[lifechanged]

I am I know that I have similar case as everyone else here but I’m very confuse and I just someone’s help with my own case so I can understand better.
Yesterday I was caught shoplifting at Macy’s in Wayne, NJ. I was attempting to steal two dress shirts valued at $55.00. My reason for stealing was to give it to my father for father days. Yea, I know very stupid reason but I guess I wasn’t thinking straight. I am 20 years old and this was my first offence. I have a clean record. Also, I am a straight A student graduating in a year. This was my FIRST and LAST time stealing something.
Anyways, they caught me outside of the store and were asked to go back into the Security room. I was sat in a chair and basically charged of store civil rights penalty which was $150.00. They also called the cops and I was arrested for shoplifting and taken to the police station. A charge was filed and I was finger printed and everything. The cop then took me back to the Store where I had my car parked and let me go with the summon.
One of the cops there told me that if I tell the judge that it was a stupid mistake and why I did it, the judge might let me go and all I have to do is pay the fine. Is that possible?

This is my first offense. What should I do in the Court?
Do I really need an attorney to represent me for this shoplifting charge? If yes, how much do you think it will cost me because I don’t think I can afford it and also do you recommend any good NJ lawyers that can help me with some just couple of hundred dollars?
Will this be on my permanent record? I am willing to do whatever it takes - hours of community service, diversion programs, etc. I read somewhere on the site charges will disappear after 2 years and your record is clean and perfect. Is that true? Is there anyway I can take this off my permanent record?
Should I ask for a Public Defender or Court appointed lawyer. If yes, where do I find them and do I need to pay them also and are they any help?

I've definitely learned my lesson and I will NEVER steal EVER again. It is not worth it! I may have destroyed my future. I was so ashamed and disgusted by myself. This has been a life-changing experience for me. I am so scared now and I need your help. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME! I just want to keep this off my permanent record. ANY help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Guilty Or Not Guilty]

If you are sure you can't afford an attorney, get a court appointed. You will be issued one at court. State law varies. Some times you will have to pay for the court appointed attorney. You will find out when one is issued to you. Some judges want you to pay for one to save taxpayers money. It might be part of your fine. Court appointed attorneys do have less fee rates.

I am looking at probation time. Ask your attorney if the DA will dismiss the record if you do good on probation. pay the fines and community service.

Your best bet is to start looking for a second/job. Have one as part time. It would be easier to pay the fines. Plus make sure you have one before you are convicted, it is easier to get a job that way.