I appreciate everyones time, I was charged with petit theft class A misdemeanor. I have the choice to hire an attorney for around $1000, or ask for a public defender. I was caught taking $120 worth of items at a local stop and shop, this is my first offense, I have a clean record at the age of 20 and I have a 3.1 GPA in college. Should I use the money and hire a defender to get me an ACD? Or should I go for my first court date in two months and ask for a public defender and ask for an ACD by myself. One last question, will there be a prosecutor? As in the LP worker that detained me or what kind of questions will I be asked at my first hearing. Thank you for taking the time to read my conundrum.

