488 P.C. Petty Theft, Court Next Month

My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA

About a month ago my friend took a toolbox from a construction site at night. We were drinking and he walked off for a while and came back about 15 minutes later. I didn't even know he took the toolbox until way later. After a few hours some cops came and we tried to run and gave up, so they took us to the station and started asking us some questions. They didn't charge us for anything except petty theft.

They say they have me positively ID'd on camera at the construction site, but I didn't even go over there with my friend. I heard you can go to jail for petty theft, so I'm guessing it's more likely for me, seeing how I'm on probation for a DUI about a year ago.

Do I really need a public defender for such a small deal as this? Could I really go to jail or am I just facing fines/community service, and that sort of thing? Should I plead not guilty or no contest? Could use some advice here.

You're facing a criminal charge and probably also probation violation proceedings, so you should be consulting a lawyer.