What are possible charges for being caught underage shoplifting?

I have a friend that was caught shoplifting at Walmart with about 70 dollars worth of merchandise. My friend's a bright boy with great grades in class but he just didn't make the greatest decision. He was brought to the back room and was asked for his information. He cooperated and he was told that there will be a fine. However he says that he doesn't know how much it will be. He plans to go to court and plead quilty. No policemen were involved and he also told me that it wasn't a necessity for him to go to court? but he plans to do it nonetheless. He asks what are the possible charges for shoplifting? He's 17 and after going through this experience I truly believe he won't be making the same mistake again. This was his first time shoplifting. He's seen his friends do it before but never did it himself. Today, he decided to try it and got himself in a mess. Is there a way to determine the fine? And will this go on his permanent record? If it does, is there a way to expunge it? Can anyone give some advice on how to deal with this? Such as what sort of process to take in order to keep his record clear? Although he hasn't told me but I believe that he's hoping that going to court and pleading guilty will help ease the charges. Will it though?