Permanent Residence Caught Shoplifting at Macy's First Time, Maryland,

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland

I am 52. I was caught for 1st stealing clothes in Macy in MD that somehow value $280, falls into misdemeanor. Now I don't know what to do except the police told me to go to court after its notification. I did get a citation. My question are: What are the thing should I do next ?Should I get a Public Defender if I can't afford for lawyer ? What is the estimate penalty I have to pay after the trial? Will I go to jail in some way? and is there anyway that can lessen it? Will I get deported? I am very callow and don't face anything like this before. I can't sleep these days. Please help!!!

Go to court.
Plea "Not Guilty" and ask for a Public Defender.

Fines:
- You will get a Civil Demand letter from the store. Pay it immediately. If you don't, the amount can go up, and then the store can sue you and ruin your credit history. The amount is always higher than the value of goods stolen. Just a guess...you stole $280, expect atleast $500.

- You will have court costs and fines.

- Depending on your area, a public defender may be able to charge you a small fee - $300 or so.

Yep....shoplifting is soooo not worth it, huh?