Civil Demand and Court Appearance After Being Caught Shoplifting at Target

[helpmeplz1]

I live in CA, and i got caught shoplifting at target. The item i stole was priced at 69.99. I signed papers stating that i stole it, and they took pictures of me. A cop came and issued me a ticket and court date. This is my first offense and its the biggest regret of my life.

I just got a civil demand notice today and they are demanding 500.00.

I don't know what to do for my court appearance. I plan to pay the civil demand. I plan to plead guilty since they already have a paper saying that i stole it with my signature on it. Does anyone know how much the court is going to charge me? Will i get jail time? Community Service?

Does anyone know anything about expongements in CA. I will be graduating soon, and I don't want this stupid act to effect my future.

I also read about individuals hiring a lawyer. I don't know if its necessary in my case, but what do you guys think?

Thanks in advance.

[Dontshoplift]

GET A LAWYER. Thats the very best thing you can do. I you have little to no income plead no guilty and get the public defender. You'll have to fill out papers to qualify. Doesn't matter if you signed that paper or not. Pleading guily is the WORST thing you can do because it will be on your record forever (no way to exponge later) and you will not get the deversion program that way.