My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I am a female and I am 22. I live in California. I was caught stealing from Target. I stole movies, it came out a little over 200. It's my first offense, and the police never came down to get me. I only talked to the employees in the back room. They made me sign papers, took my finger print, and a picture of me. They told me I qualified for their program for first offenders and said I wouldn't go to jail and that it wouldn't go on my record. I was told I'd get a letter in the mail with a court date. Then they just let me go. They said when I go to court it will be like traffic court. Is that correct?
What should I expect to happen in court and what should I do in court? Will they automatically put me into that program? Since I stole enough items to be considered a misdemeanor, will i still quality for the program? What is this program? How likely will I be sentenced to jail? Will they offer me the deal first thing or ask for the maximum sentence of jail? Will I automatically get a lawyer or do I need to ask? Also, if I ask for a lawyer will one come out to me right there in court and will I get to talk to them right then and there? What should I pled when I show to court? Will they tell me what my punishment is before I pled?

