Hi I am 17 years old and I was arrested for shoplifting and false identity. Here's the details,
It was Thursday at 3:00 pm when I was arrested at Macy's for shoplifting, they kept the merchandise totaling around $160, and charged me with damaging the merchandise, and gave me a fee of $510. Then I was sent to jail around 9:00pm and then released the next day at 9:00 am, because my parents paid the bond. This is my first time doing anything like this ever, I don't know why I did it. I recently graduated salutatorian of my class and I start college in a week. Please help me understand the process for this, what is ahead for me and how is this going to affect me.

Your parents need to hire a lawyer... its going to be expensive, they are going to be very upset. It sounds like that store has had a lot of problems with this and are deciding to prosecute. A lawyer is going to cost a lot... but they might be able negotiate things down before the court date.

You need to hire an attoreny. You do not want a conviction on your record

Any question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area. For a first time offense, you will probably get probation. Depending on where you are, you may be allowed to go through a program that will expunge the record if you complete community service or similar. You should consult an attorney who will know the local laws and courts.