Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Shoplifting at Walmart-Illinois

I was caught stealing a bracelet from an open package (kit containing 2 items was found open, removed and concealed bracelet from package) from an Illinois Walmart-they charged me with stealing the entire thing, and so I was arrested.

The total price of what I was alleged to have stolen (though I only took one piece of the package as it was open when I found it and it was the only piece I needed) was around $8.95. (I had 50 bucks on me, I guess I just thought I could get away with it, I had bought other items too...)

I was charged with a class A Misdemeanor Retail Theft under 10 dollars, and given a court date June 1st.

It is a first offense, what sort of time am I looking at, will the LP be there, the arresting officer, will the judge laugh and throw it out (because the booking officers certainly were having a bawl), will I be able to explain?

I have volunteered in the United States Air Force Auxiliary for the past 4 years, and this was just a dumb childish mistake (I am 18). I know what I did was wrong, and these past few days have been hell because I have been beating myself up about it. I never plan and getting handcuffed again, except for when I apply to be a police officer myself.

Should I explain to the judge my volunteerism, my drive to join the military, to go to school, and to become a PO? I am supposed to leave for a 3 year volunteer tour overseas, but I will be rejected if I tell them that I have committed a criminal act. (which I have to do, because they will do a bkg check) My entire life has been in pursuit of this, and I will do all that is in my power to get this fixed on the first date.

The LP's at Walmart said "We'll go easy on him" to each other, but one guy was extra grumpy. I didnt sign anything from Walmart, just given the standard Civ Suit form for reference, I was entered into their database, then arrested and given my court date. I was in uniform, so I believe my strict professionalism may have been taken as disrespect and/or resisting, which led to the arrest ("Well if he doesnt care...")

Is there any way to find out if they have dropped charges by calling? (I do not think the people that said "lets go easy on him" will go against me in court, maybe im mistaken)

I am so distraught about this, I resigned from my 4 year position with the USAFAX, because I know I did wrong and it is unacceptable.

I have never had so much as a parking ticket, let alone being handcuffed...I realize I may very well have ruined my life for a very reflective "slap" bracelet..probably worth just under 3 bucks...

Thank you