Retail Fraud / Shoplifting: Petty Larceny in Suffolk County New York

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Suffolk County, New York.
I'm a full time 19 year old college student with no prior criminal record. I was caught stealing less than $20 merchandise from Sears in Suffolk County and am unsure of what I will have to face at my court date. At the time I was obviously not thinking about my future but now i'm scared of having a criminal record when applying for future jobs. The police said that I did not need a lawyer and I can't afford one so can someone please tell me what I can do to receive the least punishment or how to keep my record clean without the help of a lawyer?