So I stole chapstick and a couple bottles of theraputic extract that amounted to 23 dollars from a grocery store in Oregon. Yeah I know it was bad and I severely regret it. What should I expect at my arraignment? I'm nineteen and my record was spotless before this incident with not even a traffic ticket. I don't have enough money for a laywer but I really want to know if there's anyway I can get my record expunged without it costing too much money. Also I've heard that If I get a dismissal then I can file for expungement right away. What is the process of a dismissal?

You have the right to an attorney usually a (public defender) if you cannot afford counsel (lawyer), expect the worst and hope for the best in the criminal legal justice system, But beings you are charged with stealing chap stick I would expect a fine, court costs and restitution to the place you stole the supposed chapstick from, If the judge dismisses the case that is solely up to the judge, I see no other reason it would exceed the punishment described above, Worst case Scenario in this case is Probation, if they have hot evidence against you such as seeing you on camera, but in some instances the store will dismiss the charges if you payback the money equal to the amount of merchandise you stole and motion the court for a dismissal, I would use every angle like contacting the store to ask if you paid them back can they drop it, which usually they will get in contact with the prosecutor and say you paid it back, they just want it dropped

First of all, if you get a dismissal, you won't need an expungement because there'll be no conviction. A dismissal would come about if the store chooses not to press the charges. But if they do, given the nature of the crime, your age and this being your first offense, you can probably expect to be ordered to make restitution to the store and perform community service. If you are convicted I don't honestly know if an expungement is a possibility or not.