Caught Shoplifting at Kroger

I just got caught shoplifting chapstick at krogers today in Vinton, Virginia. Not much I know but it's still shoplifting. Don't ask me what was going through my head because I don't know. I have never done something so stupid in all my life. I have no criminal background, I can't afford a lawyer, and on top of that I haven't been able to work or 6-7 months due to ankle injury. I used to work for Norfolk Southern as a conductor until my injury, and am getting ready to go back to work for them. My concern is how can I avoid this going on my record and not letting Norfolk Southern know about this, and do I need a lawyer, and if I do is there any help for poor folk who can't afford one? I am aware of public defenders but they don't appoint them unless there is possibility of jail time. My arraignment is on June 28 so any advice at all will be appreciated.

At the arraignment the judge may offer you a court appointed attorney because jail time is possible for shoplifting. Have the court appointed talk to the DA. If you plead guilty, you might just get probation. Maybe the DA will be willing to drop the charge from your record after doing probation time. There is a very low chance your jod will discover this.