First Time Shoplifting in New York, Please Advise

My question relates to criminal law for state of New York.
Please advise.

Here is a long story short:
It was a life changed experience for me yesterday. I was caught being shoplifting at Barney's New York store for 2 shirts valued worth exactly $500. I went into the store and looked around in men section, and I really liked the 2 shirts that I tried on, I don't know what got in to me... and I never thought I would do this, I put the 2 shirts inside of my big paper bag that I was carrying. And than I went into the men restroom to took off the tags. I was very guilty for what I did. There was 1 moment that I thought to myself I should put those shirts back and walked out. But stupid me did not do this, instead of walking back I was trying to walk out the store.

Suddenly the securities went on me and stopped me and put me on handcuffs. They said that they will prosecute me for shoplifting and asked me to confess my wrongdoing. I started to shaking and I told them that I don't know why I was doing this and I feel so sorry. An hour later, policemen showed up and took me back to the police station, they've got all my information, fingerprints and photos.

I am 22 years old and this is the first time for being a shoplifting and I've never had any criminal record beside 1 summons for being late in the park. My schedule date to the court is going to be next month and I am very depressed now. I am very guilty for what I did. I've tried to find out some information from the internet for New York and I've realized that for a shoplifting criminal any valued that is $500 are considered as misdemeanor petty theft. Is this true? Do I have to go to jail? I am very worried about my future now. Please help me out.
Thank you!

Try getting a paid attorney. Of course it will total more than what you tried to steal. If you can not afford one, choose a court-appointed attorney. Court-appointed attorneys do not put as much time in helping you with your case like a paid attorney would. But sometimes suspects have no choice.

The scales are too heavy for you to plead not guilty. The best way to plead is guilty. Your attorney should be willing to speak with the district attorney about a possible settlement. If you feel comfortable with the settlement your attorney and district worked out, accept it. I think there will be a low chance of any jail time. There might be just a high fine, court cost, attorney fee and time on probation. And ask your attorney if he will try to settle taking this crime off your record if you pass probation. You might want to visit other shoplifting cases before yours come. That will give you a good head start on how it operates.

If you do not have a job, I advise you to get one asap. That is another thing that's important to help you look clean as possible. And applying for a job now will be better than waiting until you have a bad record.

The future can still be good for you. Do not let this ruin it by making it worse. Think positive after getting this off your shoulders to give life another start by staying out of trouble. Good luck.

Thank you for your response.
Any one else has any advise?
Many thanks.

Know that you will also be receiving a civil demand. This will be for several times the amount of the items you stole.

Pay it.

This is in addition to any criminal fines you are sentenced with.