First time battery

I need some help...I am going through a divorce and I was in an altercation with my husbands girlfriend at his residence which is my next door neighbor. I went to the residence my 13 year old child was at the residence by his self she come over from and started telling me he was getting his stuff. I was walking in the residents she said that I did not need to... The house was filthy there was animal poo and clutter and dirty dishes, etc. The girlfriend and I were yelling at one another. She picked up a spray bottle and sprayed me and pushed me at this time. I defended my self and we feel over trash in the floor and I hit her several times. My child entered the room and we got up and my child and I left. She called the law and pressed charges... I pressed charges. I recieved a letter from the state attroney asking If I would like to pursued ( which at the time not understanding the process). I called to see if she had pursued. The young lady at the attorneys office misunderstood the charges and told me they were dropped for both. But the charges for me were picked up by the states attroney... I have never been in trouble... I was told that I could go to court plead not guilty and ask for public defender... I would like a chance to explain myself.. What can I do? I would appreciate any and all help...

The court won't give you a chance to explain yourself at your arraignment (with the possible exception of if you plead guilty), and even if you blurt out your story the court can't do anything but entertain your plea.

You should consider taking the advice you received, and requesting a public defender (or hiring a criminal defense lawyer if you have sufficient means to do so).