Is your friend a lawyer? If no then do NOT take any advice from them as they have no clue what they are talking about.
You got advice - it was to get a lawyer asap. Either ask for a public defender and the court will assign one IF you qualify (they give you a sheet to fill out I believe). If you can't get a PD, go hire a lawyer.
Stop taking advice from your friends who have no legal background. Don't take advice from TV shows or books. Plead not guilty at your first appearance.
