17 -Shoplifiting North Carolina

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NC
My 17 yr walked out of store with a little $9 ball cupped in his hand but his sleeve to shirt is really long & the sleeves hang down without being push up. He was bouncing it in store and accidentally walked out with it in his hand. The court date is fast approaching what should we do? I dont know what to ask for from an attorney - which is best: pre-trial diversion, petition for fraction, underadvisement plea, deversion deferred sentance, or petition for fractual innocence? the biggest concern is COLLEGE AND WORK RECORD - He can not have this on permanent record - how can this be prevented? This is 1st time! And we are poor.

Ask for diversion or deferral. The charge should vanish if he does his time and keeps out of trouble.

Pay the civil demand.

can legal aid help us? When and How do I pay the civil demand? what is a civil demand? there is no $ figure on the ticket -thanks

As there is the court date, that means a Criminal Charge was filed.

The Civil Demand is separate. This will come either from the store or a law office representing the store. Pay it immediately. Failure to pay means the amount goes up (double or triple the original amount) and can also affect your credit history. I don't know the amounts the law allows in your state, but $150-$250 is a good estimate.

the lawyer fee is 300 plus 225 in community service plus 125 in court costs. This is the info from meeting with an lawyer. He/the lawyer will ask for a deferred prosecution. He will continue the case on the court date.
*Does this all sound reasonable & *Is there anything else I should ask about?

That sounds reasonable to me. You are free to consult with other lawyers.