My question involves criminal law for the state of: Tennessee
In January 2012, I was caught shoplifting for the first time at a grocery store (~$35 of food), and received a misdemeanor citation. I went to court, pleaded guilty, completed 40 hours of community service, and the charges were dismissed. I did not hire a lawyer, and I was able to have my record expunged after the case was dismissed.
About a week ago (December 2012), I was caught shoplifting for the second time at a large department store (~$400 of clothing) after hiding merchandise in my bag in a fitting room. I also had merchandise from another department store in my bag (~$60 of clothing) and was therefore given 2 misdemeanor citations.
I am a student in my 20's and was not stealing these items to sell (I am not a professional shoplifter). Aside from these offenses, my record is clean. I made a poor impulsive decision and want to know how I should best handle this situation. I have a court date in early January.
Questions:
1. What are the likely outcomes of this if I plead guilty? Prison time? More community service? Probation?
2. Should I hire a lawyer, and how might it help? I did not hire one for my first misdemeanor.
3. Is it possible to have these most recent misdemeanors expunged once I meet the requirements, or will they remain on my permanent record?
Any advice would be appreciated.

