Caught Shoplifting a Cell Phone Charger

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Minnesota.
I was caught stealing a plug in, car charger with a usb port, and one makeup container. I know it was extremely stupid and I made a huge mistake. Together, the items added up to around $30.

The security men brought me into a room where they called the police, and I was cuffed and questioned.
They said that Wal-Mart's policies were lenient and I would not be going to jail. They wrote me a citation and I was free to leave. They said they appreciated my cooperation, and would allow me to have the privilege to be able to continue shopping at Wal-Mart stores.

I received a letter in the mail telling me my court date. An appearance at court is mandatory. I'm curious if anybody knows what the fine will be? What will go on my record? Will it be extremely difficult to get hired at a job? If I should plead not guilty at the court hearing and try to work something out?

Thank you so much for your time and taking my stupid actions into consideration.

Wal-Mart does not have the authority to jail you. You have been charged with a crime. This is very serious. It's unlikely that the court will issue a jail sentence to a first timer, but you'll get a fine, possibly probation, and a life time criminal record. Yes this can bite you for many years in the future. The penalties are up to $1000 (+ costs) and/or 90 days in jail. Your best bet, if offered by the court you will be tried in is diversion, which will allow you to pay costs and complete a probation and avoid having a conviction on your record.

Always plead not guilty unless you have had legal counsel as to the implications of doing otherwise. You need a lawyer. I'd be calling around to find one now. If you are indigent, ask for a public defender.

Expect also a demand from Walmart's "lawyers" that will ask for a hundred dollars or so in civil restitution (The cost of the items + $50).

I was afraid that would be the case. Will the crime ever be able to be expunged? And where do I ask for a public defender if you don't mind me asking?
Sorry I'm not very inclined when it comes to the court system. Thank you for your time once again.

Expungement is setting the cart before the horse. You want a lawyer to avoid getting convicted in the first place.

As for getting a public defender: http://www.pubdef.state.mn.us/getapublicdefender

Well, they recorded me in the room they brought me to. They asked if I had intentions of leaving the store without paying for the items and I answered all of them honestly. Would a lawyer help or am I just up the creek?

You need a lawyer. Just because you are guilty doesn't mean you aren't eligible for diversion or other considerations. Just because you made incriminating statements doesn't necessarily mean you'd be convicted.

Alright. I hope I can get it cleared in some way then. How expensive do you think a good lawyer would be and what should I look for in a lawyer?

If you can afford a private attorney you won't qualify for a public defender. The amount depends on what the local rates are and how much time they need to spend on your case. I suspect you're looking at a few thousand.

If I can't afford one, will an attorney be appointed to me and be able to make it so the crime won't go on my record?

There is no guarantee that any lawyer, private or PD, will be able to keep it off your record. But a PD has as much chance of anyone of doing so, and because they do so, so often, possibly a better chance than a private lawyer.