I got caught shoplifting at Kohl’s and received a court date but wasn’t arrested?

I got caught shoplifting at Kohl’s and received a court date but wasn’t arrested?
I am 18 and I got caught shoplifting about $90 worth if things. The cop said he would’ve taken me to jail and finger printed me and mugshot me if not for my step dad, who is also a cop in my town. I have a clean record and have never been in trouble before.
Question 1: how worried should I be?
Question 2: should I tell my future employer this happened even though I was not arrested?
Question 3: my step dad said he could try to get my misdemeanor charge dropped to a violation of city ordinances, how hard is that and will it still effect my future of jobs and scholarships?

Justin’s Answer
These are good questions for a local criminal defense attorney. Unless your step-dad can get the case dismissed, you should consider talking to an attorney to see how they can go about getting this off your record.