Shoplifting in Michigan

[pennysmith1000]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: michigan
i am 17 years old (an adult when it comes to the law) in the state of michigan. i was recently caught shoplifting about $80 worth of necklaces from a deparment store. i was told i need to go to court for this offense. i don't want my parents finding out. i'm going to college in a few weeks, so my address will change.
my questions are,
1) how many times should i expect to go to court?
2) in michigan, there is something called HYTA for people aged 17-21. how do i get this?
3) should i get an attorney? or would a public defender be fine?
4) for a public defender, do i pled guilty or not guilty?
5) should i plead guilty or not guilty?

6)Is there ANY chance that the store will drop the charges? i was planning on going back and apoligizing to the lp deparment and management in person and giving them a letter. i am honestly VERY sincerely sorry for what i did. i read somewhere:
"Shoplifting is usually a civil offense, meaning that the store you stole from can drop the charges if the case isn't already concluded. If this is the case, you should probably have a lawyer draft a letter to the store offering reparations and apologies in exchange of a dropped charge. They usually accept things like this because it saves them the time and money of having to go through the court system."
is this true?

i am going to michigan state to study pre-med this fall. i promise i'm a good kid, i just made a very poor decision.
please help!
THANKYOU.

[PandorasBox]

DO NOT GO TO THE STORE. They can have you arrested for criminal trespass (you likely signed a piece of paper telling you that you are banned from the store).

Also, save your letter until AFTER court. It is just another piece of evidence against you.

And no, the store will not drop charges. It is now The State of Michigan versus you.

You need to hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer. If you cannot afford one, then go into court, plead Not Guilty and ask for a public defender. Whichever you have, that is who you talk to about the HYTA or other diversion programs.

"They usually accept things like this because it saves them the time and money of having to go through the court system."" Whoever wrote that is an idiot. YOU are already paying the costs in the form of court costs and fines.

You will also get a Civil Demand letter in the mail. Expect $200.