Caught Shoplifting, for the First Time

My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA
I was caught shoplifting today and I was detained for a couple hours. During this time I accepted that I was guilty. A cop was called and I have a court hearing date in one month. This is the first time I stole and got caught immediately. Merchandise amount is about $270 and Macys charged a fine of $450 which I have to pay in 5 days. I don't know what I was thinking when I did this, because, I could have easily paid for the goods. I am going through some stress and just decided to walk out with the goods. I have a well paying job as well. I am shocked at my own behavior and scared to death now on what will happen at the court. I don't want my family to know about this as this will result in me losing them all. What should I do at the court house? I have never been to a court house before nor have any kind of criminal record. Please help.

Hire a lawyer and attempt to get diversion through the court.

Going to court: You will go through the entrance, you will have to hand over your purse to an officer and go through the metal detectors. Next, you will sign in at the entrance of the room your hearing will be in. I then waited on a seat in the hallway for my lawyer. My lawyer did all the talking, except for anything the judge asked me directly. I then went and paid my fees, and was done.

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Quoting Disagreeable

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Hire a lawyer and attempt to get diversion through the court.

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Speaking broadly, diversion normally refers to a discretionary program affecting whether a prosecutor goes forward with charges, and thus is something to explore with a prosecutor's office, while deferral is a sentencing alternative that may be available through the court. An offender's age and background will factor into the programs for which they qualify (to the extent that programs are available), and when looking for alternative sentencing options it makes sense to consult a criminal defense attorney.

How do I hire a lawyer? What is the fee?

You pull open the yellow pages, look up Criminal Defense Lawyers, call and make an appointment. The fee varies, but $750 - $3000. $1500 seems to be an average.

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PS...you don't want your family to know. If you are a minor, a parent must accompany you to court.