Student Visa Holder Charged With Shoplifting in Minnesota

My question involves criminal records for the state of: Minnesota

I was recently stopped for shoplifting at Ck store(Minneapolis).Wallet worth 19$. I really had no intention to do it and the situation was completely a way different. However I am so helpless to prove it all. Store person reported and Cop came in-took me to the back door. No finger prints taken, no arrest, no paper work or signatures asked. He recorded what ever I had to say.Gave a misdemeanor citation,he explained that I will receive something in the mail pertaining which court to appear.I am on F1 visa, currently on OPT and is working (IT-job),26 years old and I am really worried about my immigration and future career issues as I am planing to file my H1-B this April. My history is all clean till date and was never involved in such situation before.I was told that pleading guilty is a huge mistake and I want to avoid this being on my records. I am looking for advice on what to expect from here. How to handle court?

Thank you so much for any help you can provide. I cannot tell you how stupid I feel. I am really beating myself up over this.Please suggest

Read this article. Depending upon your age and the policies of the prosecutor, you may be able to qualify for a deferred sentence or diversion program -- but be careful about any deal that requires you to plead guilty as, even if the charge is later dismissed, the USCIS will treat it as a conviction.

Although a single incident of shoplifting will generally fall under the petty theft exception so as to not disqualify you for a visa or from entering the United States, any criminal activity can potentially jeopardize your immigration status and put you at risk of a denial of entry. You should consult a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with the immigration consequences of a shoplifting conviction, and who can advise you accordingly.