How will petty theft affect me?

I was working at a store for about a month and then I took some shoes worth $49.99. As I was leaving, I was caught. The loss prevention people didn't let me call my parents they told me I couldn't use my phone and told me to sign papers. I believe it was like a confession. Then they called the cops and I was arrested. The cops were much nicer to me. They told me that since I didn't have a criminal record, this wouldn't be so bad as long as I stayed out of trouble. They took my photos and fingerprints. I'm scheduled to go to court on January 6 at 9am. I want to know if there's anyway that this could be off my record. Like I said, this is my first crime. Is there anything I need to do? Should I hire a lawyer? I don't have much money either.