Petty Theft Advice Needed ---- Caught at Kohls in California

Recently caught by Kohls California store for a petty theft of $50. Officer charged with Misdemeanor. Will they put me in Jail or just some fine and community services? The merchandise is of $44 dollars. Can I appeal for Infraction? Why did they charge me Misdemeanor?

I am feeling so embarrassed about the whole thing now since for few dollars I have lost all my peace of mind, sleep and I am not able to live my normal life. I have to appear in front of court in month of February. Has someone faced this kind of situation? Will it remain on my records?

I really dont want to go in Jail. I am ready to pay fine. Will i be on some probation? Is there any kind of diversion program that i can request for?

I have recently started my new job few months back and I am a Part Time Student. I have learned my Lesson already and I WILL NEVER REPEAT this MISTAKE in my whole life and never do such ACT.

Can I just defend myself in the court. I called few Lawyers and they are charging me $5000 which is too much for me to afford. Does anyone knows any other option that I can use to defend myself in the court?

I am scared of going to JAIL and I dont want to go to JAIL.

Can someone please list me all the options that I can take to avoid going to JAIL and keeping off these thing on my Records.

This is my first time I have ever been involved in any offense.

Please Advice and Help.

Thanks

Make sure you get legal counsel (or at least the public defender) to try to keep this off your record eventually--jail time is not likely if your record is clear now. But having that arrest and/or a conviction on your record could make job-hunting etc. more difficult. Often this could be negotiated down to some kind of court supervision or even be dismissed etc. If it eventually appears it cannot be negotiated down, or you need to discuss this in more detail please let us know...