Petty Theft in San Francisco

[In SF]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I'm over 18 with no prior record. I took 2 pieces of clothing adding up to $135. LP found scissors in my bag which was used to remove the sensors (which damaged the merchandise). This is the first time I've done something so stupid. I've always heard people around me doing this and never heard of anyone getting caught, but sure enough the peer pressure caused me to make a huge mistake. I would like to try my best to keep this from going onto my record.
I was wondering how the court proceeding will be. Moreso of how to plea and when to ask for a court appointed attorney since I have no means of affording a lawyer. Do I ask for one right off the bat or face the judge myself until it is time to plea? Do I plea no contest or not guilty and then ask for an attorney? Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help.

[PandorasBox]

Plea not guilty. Ask for a public defender.

[In SF]

Thanks for replying. Do you think in my case, since I had scissors, I'm on the probably will get a misdemeaner side?

[PandorasBox]

Well, since you had scissors, a judge will view it this way:
(1) You went in with the intent of shoplifting.
(2) This is not the first time you have shoplifted, but the first time you got caught.

All in all, it really depends on the prosecutor, the judge...we really can't predict an outcome....

[In SF]

This is going to sound like a huge excuse but I just happened to have the scissors to cut my hair. I even had a small brush tool that came along with the kit my bf has in his haircutting box to dust off hair in my purse at the time. Anyhow, when I get to the courthouse, do I check in and they give me a whole bunch of papers to sign before hand? Or do I go straight to the courtroom and wait until my name is called? Also, how early in advance should I be there?

[PandorasBox]

I had a lawyer, so I just appeared on the date he told me to. I did have to sign in at the assigned judges stand.

Arriving early is a good thing. There's lot of tips in a stickied threat at the top of this section. Common sense stuff like not showing up in message t-shirts, be well groomed, cover visible tattoos, remove excessive piercings, etc....

[In SF]

One last question, will I have to pay anything immediately right after the trial or will I be billed and then can work out a payment plan on a later date?

[tc498]

Like op said plead not guitly and ask for a pd. Maybe you can get in to a diversion program or have the charge lowered.

[In SF]

Also, if I had the charges lowered, is anything they give me better than a misdemeanor? (to keep it from future searches by jobs)

[PandorasBox]

Not likely. It'll be a lesser charge, but still a misdemeanor. But let's face it - "Disorderly Person" looks better than "Retail Fraud" (my case).

In some jobs, you may have to jump through some extra hurdles. I applied for a Florida Real Estate License application...I had to go to the courthouse, get a Certified Copy of Judgment, and type of an explanation. I was approved