Caught Shoplifting - What Do I Do Next

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Virginia.
I shop lifted for the first time yesterday and with my luck of course was caught. I definetly will never ever do this again so I am somewhat greatful I got caught, but it is bittersweet.
I am in nursing school and I do not want this to hinder me in my future. I have always dreamed of becoming a nurse and don't want to lose my dream because of a stupid mistake. I honestly can say I do not know what I was thinking. My friend was caught with me and I think that I only did it because she was also doing, but I am responsible for my own actions.
I did my crime at K-mart and the amount totaled to $57.78. I am banned from all k-marts and Sears forever. I am 22 years old and have only had two speeding tickets (one was reeckless). I don't know what to do. I dont have money because I have spent it all on nursing school. Any advice will be greatly appreciated and taken to heart. Thanks to everyone who helps me out. :)

I forgot to add that cops were invovled. I was not arrested but given a summons to appear in court my law section is 18.2-103 concealment of merchandise.

The best advice is to get a Criminal Defense Attorney. The lawyer may be able to get you a plea deal of a lesser charge. Be sure to tell your lawyer about your driving record, I don't know if it is relevant or not, but best to be upfront about it.

What is the best route to take to get a lawyer. I have hardly any money and dont want to get shafted because I cannot afford a good one.

If you're broke, you can show up for court, plead Not Guilty, and ask for a public defender.

For a shoplifting charge, this is not an unusual course of action, nor does it decrease your ability to get a fair hearing or a reduced punishment.

Thanks everyone! :)

First of all, you are not banned from Kmart and Sears for life. It is only one year. And if you signed the admission of guilt and civil demand notice, be prepared you will be sued. In most states it is only classified as Theft in the third so it will not follow you, unless you ever try to get a job in retail.

ask for probation before judgment it wont go on your record you only pay fine and restitution

I do not think I signed an admission of guilt and civil demand notice. The LP guy told me what I signed just basically stated I was no longer allowed to shop at any Kmarts or Sears. Iw as so nervous that I cannot even remember what that paper said. Chhorses what do you mean when you say ask for probation before judgement. Do I do that on my arraignment date? I am just worried that I will get kicked out of nursing school and worse not be able to get my license after I graduate. I am so worried that I have nightmares about this all the time. Any more advice would be great. PS_ What is a civil deman? I keep hearing about this but do not know what it is.

If you were given a summons and not arrested on the spot, it is possible it is being handled as a municipal ordinance violation, a civil offense. This is less than a misdemeanor and is not criminal. It will not appear on any criminal record.

Because it is not a criminal offense, you were not arrested and booked. Without arrest and booking you are not criminally arrested. You do NOT get a court appointed attorney. The ONLY penalty is a fine. There is no jail time possible so there is no probation or any of that nonsense.

Some of the posters are jumping to conclusions.

Who are some of you people?

"If you ask for probation before judgment it won't go on your record."

How stupid are you people? It does not work that way.

If you do not know what you are talking about, give it a rest.

Thats a fine the store is allowed to charge.