My question involves criminal law for the state of: New York

I got caught shoplifting merchandise totaling to about $600 at JCPenney in New York. JCPenney gave me a civil demand notice and I was arrested for a misdemeanor for petty larceny. I'm in my mid-twenties and this is my first time offense. I would like to know what will happen when I go to court as I don't have any experience with this.

Would they give me a fine, community service, a lesser sentence (i.e. - bring it down to a violation?) as its a first time offense? And is there is anyway I could expunge or seal my record?

I'm in the process of looking for jobs (which do require fingerprinting because of the field I work with). How long would it take for my record to be expunged or sealed? Once the court makes a ruling and I have granted permission to seal the record, can it take effect from that date or is it a whole lengthy process (where I have to wait months?)

It's very crucial for me that I get this job position but I'm afraid I jeopardized it by doing a very stupid mistake. How would I explain my misdemeanor to this employer who is in the process of hiring me (just waiting for fingerprints - very stupid on my part I know) and well as future employers?