Pissing off the public defender is not a good idea. Accusing the public defender of having an issue with a poor person is also not a good idea.
Fact is: Being poor is not an excuse for shoplifting - there are other options like applying for Food Stamps; Food Pantries; Salvation Army; GoodWill.....to name a few.
Virginia is tough on shoplifting. He has a past criminal record.
Using a tool...that makes the charge worse. Even if the tool is used for work - well, what kind of work was he doing that he could not leave it in the vehicle; using it in commission of the crime makes it look like he planned to steal.
He can expect to go from Poor to Poor-er now, by a few thousand dollars. The store will be sending a Civil Demand Notice - this is separate from the Criminal Charge. There will be court costs/fees. There may be fees for probation, community service..... And that public defender is not free, either.....

