My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I was drinking with a friend and proceeded to drive home. I had 4 Coronas, 2 shots of Don Julios, and occasional sips of my friend’s Cosmos. The drinks were consumed over a period of 3.5 - 4 hours which most likely puts me above .08 BAC. Upon driving back home, I was stopped at an intersection around 2:10 am due to two reasons

1. One of my rear lights (left) did not seem to work properly.
2. I was on or past the pedestrian walkway.

Note: I was not exhibiting any dangerous or reckless behavior.

I have no explanation for the first reason as there was no indication from my car (usually such failures would result in some lighted sign from my car) to show such defaults. As to the 2nd reason, I tried to stop my car from running a red light hence I did commit an act of unsafe driving. However, I do realize this pretty much justifies "probable cause" to pull me over. Then I was asked if I had any drinks that night and I replied yes so I had to undergo several alcohol field tests.

From that point, the officer asked me if “I wanted to take a voluntary breathalyzer test?”I replied “what are the implications of taking such a test?” I had never been arrested before hence I didn’t know the consequences of replying “yes” or “no” to this question. Hence the officer replied “it is totally voluntary and completely up to me” and avoided giving me a straight answer. I was not told I would have potentially heavier punishment if convicted after rejecting an initial breathalyzer test. Upon stating “No, I believe I was coherent enough to drive home”, I was told that I would be arrest on a DUI charge. After that, I was taken back to the station to complete paperwork and a blood test. I would to say that the officer was nice enough to answer my questions about the situation and reassured that my case may not filed if my BAC is near the limit (DA is busy or something?).

Questions: 1) Should I just please guilty at the dmv because I'm pretty sure I'm above a .08 BAC and hope they are lenient with me?
2) I believe I do have hope to get this reduced to a wet/reckless, should I go with the public defense attorney or hire a private one?
3) Is there anything I can do to minimize my penalties at this point?
4) What kind of penalties will I be looking at (no prior brush with the law) ?