You're asking a lot of questions that only a psychic could answer. If they actually existed.
No one here can predict what sort of punishment you will receive, if any. No one knows how the judge will view the situation. No one can tell you if the judge will take your background into account. He might. He might also say "That's nice, dear. So...about this shoplifting penalty...".
Can you afford an attorney? If yes, get one. If no, plead not guilty and ask for an attorney in court. Then ask the attorney about diversion.
Did you mean "No contest"?What is "no content"
My grandfather always explained it as "I didn't do it, Your Honor, and I'll never do it again."
More accurately, it means that you will accept the punishment meted out without formally acknowledging your guilt or protesting your innocence.

