18, Caught Shoplifting, Deferred

My question involves criminal law for the state of: North Carolina

Yesterday, I was caught shoplifting $140 worth of merchandise at a local Sears store. I cooperated (the police had to be called to issue my citation) so security was really cool. I was issued my ticket with my court date, and the lady said I need to answer "deferred" when I am called. What exactly does this mean? She said since it was my first time and I am a college student I probably will not get fined. Is this true? What will happen to me? And will I have a record/ how do I go about getting it off?

Oh, you are going to get fined.

Deferred means if you satisfy all the terms of your probation that the arrest will drop off your record.

Terms usually include community service, shoplifting classes and a fine. There will also be another fine from Sears... a civil demand.

Everything will cost you around a grand.

Well how do I go about this situation? I am very confused. The lady in LP said that since the clothes were not damaged (tags still in tact, and everything) they probably would not fine me. And to go to court and explain that I am a college student and cannot afford the fees and that I will probably just get community service of some sort. Did this woman lie to me?

There might not be civil restitution, but there can be court costs and fines. Go to google and type in the code you were charged under. That will tell you what the maximum sentence can be. Usually for misdemeanors, its 12 months in jail and/or $2500 in fines.