My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA
I was wrongfully accused of shoplifting at Target in California. This is what happened. I went to the store with 2 items to be returned (with receipts) and exchanged with another items. When I finished the shopping, I went to the cashier and asked about the returns and exchanges. The cashier told me that I need to go to customer service dept(CSD) to do that. This store had two entrances, one on the north and the other on the south side of the building. I went to the south side of the building but the csd was on the north side of the building. As I passed the security bar, I realized that the csd was on the other side of the building, and at the same time, store lp showed up and accused me of shoplifting. I pleaded my case to the lp but no avail. I did not sign anything at the store. Police showed up later and I was cited and given a court date. I really had no intention of stealing anything, I am falsely accused. I pleaded my case to police who showed at the store, he basically says that I need to tell my side of the story to the judge. I am intending to fight this charge. My questions is, (1) Can I ask the judge to dismiss the case based on my side of the story?, (2) Should I meet with DA before the arraignment date to convince him to drop the charge?, (3) if all fails, then what are my options. Thank you so much for any insight.

