Consequences Of Criminal Charges

[foolish&remorseful_79]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: CALIFORNIA
Hello and thank you for reading,
I am in my late 20's and I was caught shoplifting at Macy's in Sacramento. Here are the facts followed by my questions:
-I was shopping alone and was apprehended by LP outside the store
-Merchandise totalled $300
-First Offense for anything remotely illegal in my entire life (except speeding tix)
-Video taped + possible LP witness
-LP called police who ran my ID and SSN, did not finger print or take me to station
-Officer took my confession via taperecorder and I cried like a baby
-Macy's said that they will be mailing me the civil collection notice (Which I will pay)
-Officer gave me a citation for a 484 (a) pc misdemeanor with a court date in about 40 days
-That was it, I was let go. I gave them no fuss and was very cooperative
-I plan to consult an attorney but I am a single mother and cannot afford to retain one

My questions are:
-What are my chances of being able to plead no contest and recieving some sort of a plea bargain such as completing a diversion program, informal probation, fines, community service, etc? This is my first and last criminal offense.
-If I complete a program such as a Shoplifters Alternative Course (NASP) before my court date will I recieve more leniency?
-Since I am having to go to court am I automatically convicted of a misdemeaner? If so, will that affect my ability to get my teaching credential (I am soooo close!!!). I already work for the school district.
-How hard would it be to get this charge expunged in time for me to get my credential early next year?
Please know that I am writing so matter of factly and without emotion b/c I need legal advice. But if you would like to know I feel like a horrible person and a terrible role model for my future students and my child. I had to leave an abusive relationshop with nothing but the clothes on our backs so I stole the clothes with the intentions of providing for my family EVEN THOUGH I KNEW IT WAS WRONG AND THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR SHOPLIFTING.
Please, any advice anyone may have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[foolish&remorseful_79]

Oh and a second question-
Since I was not handcuffed, taken to the police station, fingerprinted, etc. was I technically arrested?

[Security Consultant]

Oh and a second question-
Since I was not handcuffed, taken to the police station, fingerprinted, etc. was I technically arrested?

Yes. They just chose to release you on your own recog. I suspect you signed the ticket. That was your promise to appear in court in-lieu of posting bond.