Shoplifting in Virginia

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia.
Hi, I am a 19 year old college student and I was caught shoplifting 96 dollars worth of stuff from a Wal Mart in Virginia. They actually caught me after the fact and came to my home with security pictures of me and what not. I fessed up and cooperated with the officers and I am supposed to meet with him this Wednesday. He said I'm most likely gonna get the first offender punishment. The thing is though I have a prior record. I have had two dismissed alcohol charges, one before I was 18 and one after and also a reckless driving charge. I asked the officer about it and he said I would still be considered a first offender because the alcohol charges got dismissed and the reckless charge is not a criminal offense. Was the officer right or will they look at my previous record? If I could get any information I would greatly appreciate it.

They will look at your criminal record when determining if you are eligible for the program and, if enrollment is discretionary on their part, it may become a factor as to whether you're accepted into the program.

At what stage of proceedings will you find out if you've been accepted into the first offender's program? If you would find out before charges are filed or at the arraignment, you'll have the opportunity to retain counsel if you don't get into the program.

May i ask you a few questions please