help ... shoplifting crisis

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? california

HI, my name is rachelle and today i got caught shoplifting. I'm 18 years old and it only my first time being arrested and they gave me a misdemeanor charge. I tried to steal less than 30.00 worth of merchandise. My court date is in the end of march and i really don't know how to start with getting everything together. Also, the police officer said to me that i could petition the citation so that it could be taken off my record, but i don't know how to do that either. I have no job so i can't get a lawyer so i have to let them provide one for me. That really scares me because i know that wether they get win the case they still get paid. what should i do and how should i handle this because i'm really panicking.

You can't get this removed from your record until you are convicted, and even then, that is a long time down the road.

At your arraignment, if you are charged with the misdemeanor or higher, you should be given the option of court-appointed counsel if you cannot afford an attorney. If you CAn afford an attorney, then you might want one on board before court.

- Carl