Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Hey guys, I'm looking for some Embezzlement help. I was working at a department store here in California until Jan 2 this year (Way to start the new year, eh?). The internal security had a word with me about causing shortage in the store, pretending that it's an asset protection training for all employees. They later led on to internal causes of shortage (or in other words, employees who cause shortage). I had a feeling where this was going by this point.

They then have me say that I add money to a gift card without paying for it while being behind the counter. I didn't deny it, it started becoming something so instinct and I needed something to stop me. I only worked once or twice on weekends, seldom during the week, and only if I had a lunch break (I would sometimes work less than 5 hours), I would add only a $5 or $10 on the gift card so that I am able to get something to eat. However, they informed me that on one month, I spent over $120, and including all the times I did it, it would equal to $400. I personally felt it wasn't that much, but I didn't want to fight it much, without knowing if it would hurt my cause more than help it.

Anyway, later the day, they paid me my last paycheck and called a police officer to come by. He read me my rights and asked me either jail time or citation, and I chose citation. This is my first offense (excluding a speeding ticket of about 2 years ago, removed from traffic school), and the officer cited me for "503 PC Embezzlement" I believe, his handwriting isn't as great, and misdemeanor. I really don't know what to do, I tried to save money to pay back the $400 and to pay any fine of that, but I had bills and my parents were behind on theirs too, so they asked me to give them some as well, but now I only have about $200.

My employer said the corporation will send me a letter involving the payments, I believe was $33/mo. for a year. The officer also told me that I could take a class to get the misdemeanor off my record. I got confused here, because I had thought that it would only apply if it was a traffic case.

Please give me your thoughts, and tips on what to expect on my court date. My notice to appear citation says my appear date is on the 22nd of this month, so it's coming up! I don't know what to expect on my appearance date, or what I should bring other than the citation, or if I should approach an attorney (I have no money to afford one), or what I can do to help myself. Thanks for your time!

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