So I was at JCPenny and being stupid... I stole an item worth $20.
(I'm 18 by the way) I was stopped when I was leaving the store by LP and brought to a room where police was called and I had my picture taken, information written down and all of that. I had to sign some papers and they explained that I was going to have to pay for the item and have to pay some fines having to do with the civil action. They gave me a ticket and a court date.
I was stupid and I wasnt thinking... I know I was doing something wrong, and it was my first time taking anything from any store or being in trouble with the law at all. I'm so embarrassed and ashamed I dont know what to do
My questions are:
1) Does anyone know what's going to happen when I go to court?
2) Do I plead guilty, no contest or not guilty?
3) Is this offense going to be on my record forever? Is it possible for me to do anything about it so that it doesnt show up on my records?
4) is my current employer going to find out?
5) Should I consult a public attorney?
6) Any estimate on how much the fines are?
Any other advice?
The police officer was very nice, and spoke to me ass if I was a human being. He mentioned how I was being cooperative and all that so I suppose he knew I felt some remorse. I thought I was going to get screamed and lectured at, which... I would have accepted as well because I know I deserved it knowing where my head was at.

