16 Years Old, Shoplifting at Claires

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California


I got busted stealing from the Claires at my local mall, which in all honesty was a sort of cry for help. Incredibly stupid, but effective.

Unfortunately, I went from blatantly taking a pair of $8 earrings from claires and expecting a call home to the employees saying I caused a scene and was resisting them, leading them to call the police and insist on my prosecution. Keep in mind by "resisting" they meant I offered to show them the contents of my bag, GAVE BACK the earrings, and then when they tried pinning six other thefts on me, I said I did not in fact take those items, which I didn't.

This is my first offense (spotless record), and I am a minor, but I'm new to the state and can't find anything relating to a case like mine. I got a citation saying it was a misdemeanor and a court date, and I was not handcuffed or taken to be fingerprinted.

I confessed to the earrings to the officer, so that's in the report. My parents are saying I probably won't need a PD since I'm pleading guilty, and the police officer said I'll probably be let off very easily.

I'm worried about college, to be honest. Will they look at my record and see this charge? Am I black listed from four year universities now?
Any and all help would be appreciated!

You do not want to plea guilty - that leaves the judges hands tied as to your sentence.

You want a lawyer or PD to negotiate a lesser charge, lesser punishment.

And you learn from it - that shoplifting is wrong.

As police were involved - yes, you were arrested. Don't be surprised when you are ordered to go to the police post and submit fingerprints and pose for a mugshot.