My question involves criminal law for the state of: Texas
Saturday night 1/28 I was arrested for shoplifting two items of clothing totaling about $90 from Kohls. It is my first offense, have only had a parking ticket in the past. I'm 23, female, and this is my last semester in college. I'm getting a double degree, have an internship to do as part of my degree this summer, I have a job and am involved in extracurricular activities. Needless to say, this is the most deplorable and just stupid thing I've ever done.
I was arrested, taken to a local police department, and then taken to a magistrate/holding cell/jail/detention center in San Antonio for 6 hours. I am a permanent resident.
On Feb. 1st I have to go and pay for my $25 PR bond which was originally out of an $800 bond. In March, I have a court date. I've been assigned a court-appointed lawyer.
Here are my questions:
1. My main issue is that this CANNOT be on my record. I will be applying for jobs very soon, in an information technology industry that exists in the government and private sector. I want to work towards this being expunged- will this be possible and in how much time might I be able to apply for jobs and legally say I have no criminal record? Will the court appointed lawyer be able to help me or should I invest in my own lawyer, and what kind? I understand that I will be paying consequences for this, but it has to go away as I cannot have this on my head for the rest of my life. I am willing to do ANYTHING.
2. How long might I be on probation for? How long will I be doing community service for? Is it POSSIBLE for this to get expunged from my record?
3. I was extremely cooperative with all officers and people during my arrest.- How long will I be paying for this? Will the judge be sympathetic to my being in college, having a job, about to graduate, and being willing to do what it takes to make up for this crime?
4. I've never been to court- what will it be like? How much am I looking to pay?
5. Will my permanent residency come into play? I am from an English speaking European country and have lived here since 1997.
If anyone can answer any of these questions, I would be SO grateful. I am completely alone doing this.

