VA misdemeanor for petty theft help!?

[hussein]

I was caught stealing (a huge flood of stupidity waved over me i know...and i am ashamed of it) and now have court in Jan 2011. It was an object worth 29.99. I was not handcuffed and taken downtown (to the police station) I was just given a ticket with my date and time I have to apear at court.THIS IS MY FIRST TIME BREAKING THE LAW, i have no traffic tickets, no juvenile criminal record nothing! I just turned 18 in March. I want to know, in the state of Virginia, what is most likely going to happen to me (I regret it so much)! Will i go to jail? should i plead guilty right away? should i get a public deffender (if so how do i get one and are they free I have NO money)? anything he.lps please clue me in.

[langford59]

You will be looking at a fine and community service but ask for a diversion or deferred judgment program will have the charges dropped under the stipulation that you do not commit another crime in the course of your determined probation period. While you'll still be responsible for paying court fees and fines, one of these programs will keep the charge of petty theft off your permanent record.

If you qualify for diversion or deferred judgment you will first be responsible to pay all fines and fees required by the court. By entering one of these programs you are also agreeing to waive your constitutional rights to a formal arraignment and a jury trial on the petty theft charges against you.

Once you complete all sanctions you will not have a criminal record.