Shoplifting in New Jersey

My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey

i was arrested in Hollister in the mall and am being charged with shoplifting from two stores hollister and abercrombie. the amount was over two hundred dollars $229.00 to be exact. i was told that i wil receive information about the court date in the mail. i do not have any idea what is going to happen...i am curious if this will go on my permanent record i am only 17 yrs old ... i am seriously looking into going to college and have sent out applications and i have more to send out... i am not sure if i should list that ihave been arrested and if tapes are pulled i will be looked at as guilty i have no clue what to do is there anyway i can keep this from being on permanent record!?!? PLEASE HELP!it was a dumb decision to make in the first place and the humiliation of walking out of the mall in handcuffs to get into the back of a police car was enough. my record is clean and im usaully a good kid ive never done anything like this ever b4 in my life this was my first time.

Presumably, you've discussed the matter with your parents by now and they have obtained counsel for you?

As this is your first offense, you may be eligible for a diversion program which may keep this offense off your record, provided you complete all of the terms of the program. Ask your attorney to help you sort out your options.

If your parents cannot afford a private attorney for you, show up on your court date, plead Not Guilty, and ask for a public defender.

You're being charged in juvenile court, correct? That gives you a lot of protection in relation to who can access your record, and increases the chances of receiving an outcome along the lines of diversion.