Petit Larceny in New York

My question involves criminal law for the state of: ny

Hi, I am a 19 year old college student in NY. I was caught stealing 17 items worth $138 from Wal-Mart. I got a ticket for a Class A misdemeanor and have a court date scheduled soon. I was wondering what I would go through on this court date, with or without a lawyer. I haven't consulted with a lawyer yet because I cannot afford one. Also I am willing to do whatever it takes for this to not go on my permanent record. What are the chances of that happening? and what steps do I need to take so a misdemeanor does not go on my record. I plan on applying to medical school, and my application will be promptly rejected with a misdemeanor. I made a really dumb mistake, but it was a wake up call and I have learned my lesson from it.

Thanks for any help, I would highly appreciate it

Also, I have a clean record

Since you are at the age of 19, I believe you cannot consider this a youthful offender case where they automatically seal your records and the case after it is finished.
To get it off your permanent record you would have to file for expungement usually 3 years after the case is finished. I'm not really sure on the details, you will have to do some research yourself or ask a lawyer. (many lawyers provide you with a free initial consultation...if you call about 5 lawyers, you can get alot of your basic questions and worries answered.)

At your arraignment you are provided a Public Defender. Be nice to them, they're overworked (some have upwards of 150 cases at a time), and don't expect them to care about you too much. If you qualify for a public defender for your future trial, you're going to have to cover the fact that you're paying a minimal fee for a lawyer with your own sweat and blood and go out there and do some research about your case.

Try to plead it down to a violation. Since this is your first offence you might even get ACD or adjournment in contemplation of Dismissal, which means if after 6mths no charges, the case will be dismissed.

Good luck! Also, if you are convicted, you will show up on national theft databases and you'll basically be hautned by it forever. If you can get it dismissed, you won't show up on these databases.

So please try your best to get it dismissed! Know that what you did was wrong, and never do it again!