Charged With Petty Theft and Worried About a Criminal Record

My question involves criminal law for the state of: First of all thank u for any help I get from anyone but I was working at right aid and I am very embarrassed to say was arrested and taken to jail was given a court date and charge w petty theft the store had me write out a letter confesing to what I had taken and admiting my theft I did so but was very scraed since its my first offence charge I have a clean record ecept for some unpaid parking tickets I have not paid but the total charges were about $500 of theft I don't know wat to do and I can't afford a lawyer will I go to jail for this and how will I be able to remove this from my record plz anyhelp ??

The time to worry about your criminal record was BEFORE stealing.....

Since you failed to list your state, we can't tell if you are facing Misdemeanor or Felony charges.

Plead Not Guilty, ask for a public defender. Expect court costs, fines. Possibly community service, anti-shoplifting class (you pay for these), also note the PD is not free. Possible probation.

And you are basically screwed from working retail - Rite Aid is a large company who likely has entered your name into a National Retail Theft Database.

This is in california and it was a felony but was reduced to a misdemeanor
Wow and I can't get this removed from my records at all ? And u said ask for a public defender will they even give me one ive heard that the judge will deny me one thank u once again for ur help also should I still plead not guilty even though I admited to the theft at the store and the police?

Ask a lawyer or PD about a first time offenders program. That would be the only way of getting it off your record. However, I believe the Retail Theft Database entry would remain for the full 7 years.

Plead not guilty. This makes the state have to prove their case against you. If you plead guilty, the judge has to follow sentencing guidelines. With Not-Guilty, the prosecutor may offer you a plea deal to a lesser charge, or allow a First Time Offenders Program.