PLEASE don't guess at legal questions. We take great pride in our answers. What is the basis for your guess that this person will be "charged" with 300 or more hours of community work - ?

Where are you, what State or Country? "Under $5,000" is "usually" Canada.

You may be eligible for diversion BUT this arrest COULD keep you from getting a license as a Pharmacist. I would not proceed without an Attorney - this is serious and will stay on your record. It is particularly serious if it's theft from an employer.

You apparently regret the theft and are making restitution to the store. Now you need to make sure that the legal side of this is taken care of.