Shoplifting in Sephora

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I am 18 years old and i shoplifted about $180 at Sephora in make up items.
I really do not have any idea how this goes, this was my first time ever shoplifting and i plan on never doing it again. i'm just really scared and i don't want to tell my mom because i don't want her upset with me.

I have only been cited once before for being out past curfew at a park and my friend was in possession of marijuana.

I know that there is going to be a civil case(?) where the store sends me a fine of some sort. I was wondering how much this might be? and I also know that the county will send me to court but i don't know what my punishment would be.

The employee told me that I was very cooperative and I answered all the questions they asked so that would be in the report. I don't have enough money for a lawyer but they informed me that i could request one free of charge, but how do i do it?

What other punishments would I be given? and is there a likely chance that I would go to jail?

Please help me understand this better.

The Civil Demand averages $200-$500+, depending on store/state.

When you go to court, your plea will be "I Stand Mute". Then you will be given the opportunity for a Public Defender, if you financially qualify. *this is not free, expect to pay a few hundred*.

Thank you so much!

So when I go to court, should I plea a 'no contest'? because I was reading about some of that online, but I don't really see the difference between saying that and saying i'm guilty because they did catch me and even took pictures of the items I took.

And if I request a Public Defender in court, does that mean that I will have to go in again at a later date?

And I'm planning to go to college in the fall, would my acceptance be rescinded? My court date is also on september 15, but I leave on the 20th to go to college.

And how can I get a less severe punishment? I really do not want to go to jail.

By pleading guilty: You're gonna get the harsher sentence, and legal assistance.

"I Stand Mute" - you get the chance for a Public Defender, and a plea bargain of a lesser sentence.