Can You Get Shoplifting Off of Your Record

[Maxpg]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: shoplifting

Today I got caught shoplifting about $20 worth of merchandise from a store. I complied 100% and agreed to everything. A police officer came and gave me a citation. There's a fee of $366 I already paid online. I feel terrible and stupid and I'm only 18. I don't want this to ruin my future. The officer said if I paid the fine before my court date in a few months I wouldn't have to show up and this would just appear on my record.
I just want to take care of this and let it all to away. I wrote an apology letter to the company already ( I know it won't matter ) but I was wondering if there was any possible way to get it
Off my record. Would I have to appear on my court date and plead not guilty? I saw things about an "acd"? Community service and classes?? I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make up for my stupid mistakes. I'm 18 and this is my first offense.

PLEASE any help would be great, I have no idea what I'm doing. I was going to call the courthouse tomorrow and ask as well. Also, I'm from wisconsin

[Trailboss]

An apology is an admission of guilt! Do not send that! Not yet, anyway. And do *not* listen to that police officer about not showing up to court: not without checking with the court first! One of the Wisconsin experts can tell you about what pre-trial interventions may be available, and whether Wisconsin allows expungement of charges like that. If it gets to a court showing though, do NOT plead Guilty, no matter what: Plead Not Guilty so you can take advantage of whatever Plea Bargains or Diversions may be available. Pleading guilty will leave them with nothing left but to punish you!

[Maxpg]

I called the courthouse today and the woman said it was a "local ordianance violation" and that I could never get it off of my record. I'm just very confused and want to do everything possible to get this gone. She said it won't appear on MOST background checks, but I am still concerned.

Do I find a lawyer? and if so, what kind? Do I need a really good one??

[Mr. Knowitall]

From what I'm seeing, Wisconsin law allows expungement of a criminal conviction for offenses involving youthful offenders, if:

• The offender is under 25, the offense is a misdemeanor or an H or I felony, the judge ordered expunction upon successful completion of the sentence, and the offender successfully completes the sentence (Wis. Stats. Sec. 973.015); or

• The offender is a juvenile who has been adjudicated delinquent, and brings a motion for expunction upon reaching the age of 17 (Wis. Stats. Sec. 938.355).

The first thing you can do is tell us the specific ordinance at issue, so we can figure out if we're even talking about a misdemeanor offense. Yes, a local lawyer will be in a good position to advise you about possible dispositions.

[Maxpg]

It is a Retail Theft and a Municipal Court Citation. I called an attorney and asked about what I should do.
He gave me the advice of pleading not guilty, meeting with a DA and apologizing, sounding sincere, and telling him how I don't want it to affect my future for one stupid mistake. He said I should ask for a possible disorderly conduct instead?
I called two more local ones asking for advice as well and await their call back.