My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I was caught for shoplifting at Kohl’s, they took my information, said i should be getting a letter in the mail, what is the letter about?
They called the police i was arrested and taken in i spent an hour in Jail they gave me a citation for a misdemeanor, and called it petty theft. I have to appear in court in August. I have a perfectly clean record and this is my first time in trouble with the law, a huge mistake on my part and I am not a minor.

My questions are:

What will the letter be from Kohl’s?
When I go to court do I plead guilty, not guilty, or no consent?
Do I need to hire an attorney?
What can I tell the Judge to try to make this as smooth as possible?
What could my charges be if it’s a misdemeanor?
How long will it be on my record?
I know I will have to pay fines, but do you have any idea of how much approximately?

Any advice, help, or information would be greatly appreciated. I am so scared about what is going to happen.