Caught Stealing - What's My Punishment Going to Be

[Eric Haugen]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I'm 16 years old and I live in Orange County, and I was caught shoplifting a $60 knife from my local Kmart, when I walked in I hadn't intended to steal it, I had intended to go get tape for a project. I'm a kid that has gone through honors classes all his life and advanced on every state test and almost every other test I've taken, I'm also ADHD and take medicine for it. (This particular day I'm describing I had not taken my medicine) I had been walking to the said Kmart to get the tape, and I was walking through the store and I had seen a pair of scissors (unpackaged, oddly) laying by the sports/hunting section. I cut the knife off of the rack because my family was going up to a cabin in Arizona, and I thought it might have been nice to have a knife with me when we went. I took the knife and the pair of scissors to an aisle without cameras and cut out the rest of the knife, I didn't take the sheath from the package as well because it was really loud wrapping and I was scared someone might hear me cut it out. I proceeded to -Purchase- the tape, and walk out. Once I was out, the theft prevention went out and stopped me, and asked if I had the knife. I looked down solemnly and guilt-ridden as I replied "Yes." I followed them inside into the theft prevention office where I waited and sobbed (I had never done anything illegal before, I was scared what my family would think of me).
After about an hour of waiting, an officer came, read me my rights, took my thumb prints, and told me that I will be summoned to court.

My question is, is what would my sentence be, or punishment (reparations, etc.) for doing this, with the basic underlying information:
-I was very compliant
-I was not on my medication
-I did not walk in with the intent to steal
-I took the knife, but left the sheath.
-I had damaged the wrapping
-I cut it off the locked rack by its plastic
-I didn't take or damage anything else, I left the scissors back where I found them
-This is my first offense
-I'm 16 (17 in early february)

-(IMPORTANT) I may have gotten my address mixed up when they asked me for it. I think I might have replaced the last number of the address with a wrong number. (I said a 7 instead of 3, I was nervous.)

I'm willing to serve anything besides jail, and I want the lowest fine possible even with the maximum amount of community service,

Can anyone tell me how to find out more about when I will receive the mail, or anything else useful? Thanks.

[cbg]

The crystal ball is out being recalibrated.

But I've got news for you, kid; it's not your decision what fine you pay or even whether you go to jail (though jail is not likely). OF COURSE you want the lowest possible fine - everyone does. But that's not your choice to make.

[Eric Haugen]

I figured as much, but I'm not very well educated in the workings of the justice system. I didn't expect absolute decisions, I just wanted to know IF. Which situations as well would the judge have more... mercy for me is what I meant.

[Eric Haugen]

Regardless, your response didn't help. :/

[Disagreeable]

Expect a demand letter in the mail for about $300. You need to ask mom n dad to help you pay for a lawyer, prior to court. Expect the court fines and lawyer to run about $1500.

[Mr. Knowitall]

With a good school, home and community record, no alcohol or substance abuse issues, and no prior offenses, you're a good candidate for a deferral. But we can only address the odds based on the little information we have.

[Eric Haugen]

Thank you Mr. Know.