Petty Theft Charges After Trying to Shoplift Electronic Goods

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

So last night, I made the stupidest decision of my life. I am an 18 year old college student working on getting my degree in computer science and engineering. Basically, I went to a mall with a friend in milpitas to return a gift I had previously bought for a friend due to finincial issues. We entered through Kohl's and came across the electronics section and saw things that were nice and a little over our budget. We then left not taking anything. But after returning the gift to the store(shoes from shoe palace) , we went to go back to kohls to leave the mall. We came across the electronics section and I took a Fitbit watch And a cassette adapter knowing that I was unable to afford it and thought I could get away with it. (Which added up to 100-140) My friend also took a jawbone watch.(120) We then left the store & was stopped by loss prevention. They took us to the back room and asked us how old we were... Stupidly, we said that we were 17 because we panicked since it was our first and last time doing such a crime. Later on, they made us fill out paperwork of some sort and then asked to call our parents. This is when we scared and admitted we were 18. Later, a cop arrived and arrested us. He took us to the station and gave us citations for a court date and we were charged for petty theft misdemeanor. I am scared of what will happen given this is the first time I've ever been in a situation like this and have a spotless, clean record. After all this, I was unable to sleep and read up online on the days to come. The punishment for an act like this (correct me if I'm wrong) is: 1 year jail time at max. , fines, or both.

ive read multiple scenarios online on ways to handle the situation i'm in. One stated that I can do community service or go into some sort of programs. Others said there's this thing called expungement.

My question is, what is the best way to approach this situation when it comes to the court date? Do I plead guilty or not guilty? Do I hire an attorney or PD? How much in total am I gonna be spending? Can I get this expunged? And will it affect college?

Please help me out, I know I have made a horrible life decision, and I will learn from it

Your best approach is to speak with a local criminal defense attorney about the charge and discuss what options may be available to you under the circumstances -- whether the prosecutor is likely to offer a deal that would result in a non-criminal disposition or dismissal, whether you qualify for any available diversion program or conditional dismissal, and the like.

If you retain a lawyer, you will negotiate your legal fees with your lawyer.

If you choose to plead guilty, you will be convicted of your crime and will get a criminal record. You will want to work out a plea bargain before you plead guilty to anything.