Caught Shoplifting, First Charge but With a Prior Warning

My question involves criminal law for the state of: North Carolina
Okay so I'm 19 an made a dumb mistake some friend of mine convinced me to steal something (he wasn't with me at the time) I was caught stealing $20 worth of stuff from walmart. (I had been caught before but the lady from walmart had given me a warning and put me in the system there) well this time she called the cops I was NOT arrested but I was given a citation and banned from walmart for a year as well as a court date. The cop told me I'll probably get community service since this is my first offense. I don't want this to ruin my record how do I get it off my record? Can I get a easier sentence perhaps? Should I get a lawyer? The cop also told me I'll have to pay a fine and since the merchandise was damaged (it was a shirt that got makeup on it because I put it inmy purse) he said I'll have to pay the store back for that's well. What should I do??? Can I get this dismissed from my record?? And will this affect my job at the daycare??? Help please!!!

Just you were given a citation in lieu of you being taken to the police station and made to post bond does not mean you were "NOT arrested." You technically were arrested. You should at least speak with a lawyer to go over what options there may be for you in the jurisdiction where the theft took place.

The "fine" the officer told you about is a Civil Demand. In North Carolina the retailer may charge you NOT LESS that $150. nor MORE THAN $1,000.