My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA
I just received a letter from the DA's office stating that complaint has been filed against me alleging a violation of Section(s): PC594(A) VANDALISM OVER $400 DAMAGE-DAMAGE/DESTROY.
The court date isn't until a month from now, but I am worried to death about what I should do.
I had admitted guilt to the police about this charge, so should I be getting an attorney to try to see if I can get my charges lowered? What should I expect to happen on my court day?
I am a first-time offender, btw, so is it possible to ask the judge for a pretrial diversion? I know what I did was wrong, I definitely regret it now and am taking responsibility for it, so is there any way the judge will keep this one-time mistake off my record?

