Petty Theft Questions, please help

I was recently caught stealing from a retail store in Maryland. I was about to walk out the doors when I was stopped with around $85 worth of merchandise in my bag. The lost prevention personnel confiscated everything and called the police where I was given a citation and then released informed that I would receive a letter in the mail regarding a court date.

I'm a first time offender, the only other things on my record are 2 speeding tickets besides that I have a clean record. I'm 19 years old and I'm just looking for some information any help would be MUCH appreciated, thank you.

My questions are:

As a first offender with theft <$100 what am I really looking at as punishment?

Although it may vary between what I get as far as the punishment how long is something like this going to stay on my record?

[sunlover]

Providing your state looks at this theft as misdemeanor and there are no other issues like theft wa splanned, tools were used, resisiting, fighting, running etc. You can look at fines less than $500.00, probation, community service. Maybe some classes I am unsure. You can also expect a letter of Civil Demand close to or over $400.00. You can also visit the forum site below where there are experts in this area that can answer without judgment or sarcasm

Shoplifting After Your Caught :: Index

Thank you, I did not run, use tools or any of the above so hopefully you are correct and im looking at the minimal punishment...once again thank you for your response