I was caught shoplifting in North Carolina, any advice on what I should do?

First of all, I'm not a bad person at all and this is my 1st offense, otherwise my record is clean. My Court date is set for April 14. It was Misdeamor Larceny, the item I took was under $30. What should I do? Should I plead guilty? I can't really afford an attorney right now. Is there any chance I can get that this won't go on my record?