Hello, I am a PhD student at Princeton University,

I am worried and I feel so bad for what I have done that I am despairing.

PLEASE HELP ME!

I was arrested for shoplifting, 3rd degree last Saturday.
... but today I have received a communication from the municipality court, Lawrence twp, in which they tell me that they have tranformed my 3rd degree crime (shoplifting) in a Disorderly Persons Offense.
I have to go to the court the 23rd of September and I am not able to afford\contact a private lawyer, or better I don`t know if it is a good option or not.
Can you answer me if this creates a criminal record? What about this record of Disorderly Persons Offense and my VISA J1\immigration etc... for my future?
I really know that my action was terribly bad, I feel guilty and I want to do all what I can do in order to dismiss my crime, paying a fine, whatever. The very sad moment in my life is not an excuse for what I have done, I know.
I want to live here in USA, apply for a researcher\professor position. I am finishing the Graduate School, and I am worried about the consequences of my stupid act.
How can I expunge it or better dismiss it? Will does the court show clemency avoiding to register my criminal record because now it`s a Disorderly Persons Offence?
I feel so bad, again I know what I have done was shameful.
With this record (criminal?) can I enter in USA for less than 6 months without a VISA, for example to go to a conference?
Help me please!
I am not a USA citizen so I have fear that the possible fine, or conviction of this Disorderly persons offense can afflicts my VISA waiver status, now and in the future, blocking me in my country with the no more possibility to come in USA.
I don`t want a criminal record!

If I write a letter to the court, if the court, me and the shop find an agreement the day in which I will be to the court, can the case be dismissed?
I feel bad!
What about a public defender? can I speak with someone? Can a public defender help me prior the 23rd of September?
I am worried for my future here. I work so well in this country, in this university, I don`t want that a single, first time, stupid act in my life caused my a silly myself, afflicts my entire life.

Thanks for the reply if you can