"I don't want a record". Unless you are charged in juvenile court, it is already too late to avoid a record since court cases for an adult charged with criminal law offenses are public records in WA. While it is theoretically possible for the court to order that a court case filed against an adult defendant be made not visible to the public, it is likely that the court will not issue such an order as WA has a strong policy of open government....

Even though the case filed against an adult defendant likely cannot be hidden from the public records, the defendant likely can reach a deal with the prosecutor that will eventually result in the criminal law charge against the defendant being dismissed. The defendant likely will have to agree to pay some fines, do community service, take some classes, or perform other actions....

The store where the alleged theft took place likely will also be sending a civil demand letter to the defendant. In WA, the store is authorized by law to sue the alleged thief even if the store recovers the item intact. If it sues, the store likely can get a judgment against the defendant for several thousand dollars. In the civil demand, the store likely proposes to settle the civil lawsuit in exchange for several hundred dollars. The defendant may be able to ask the store to ask the court to dismiss the criminal law case....

You can review the specific facts with your attorney to find out your legal options.

You really need to get a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You are right to be worried. A theft conviction can have long lasting effects on your ability to get a job, housing and more. It is helpful that you immediately expressed remorse and have no criminal history. There are often options in this situation to avoid a conviction, such as a misdemeanor compromise, stipulated order of continuance, pre-trial diversion, or deferred prosecution. Your attorney will help you explore these.