My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington
A friend of mine used to cashier at Macy's and one day I came in and we found a couple things we wanted to get that amounted to about $206. Rather than ringing up each item, he went ahead and just pretended to scan the items and take the sensors off each item. Out of all the items, I only actually paid for a $10 hat. With the shopping bag full, I made my way out of the store, but quickly got stopped by a LP officer. I was taken in and returned all the items (they let me keep the hat since I actually paid for it) and signed a promissory note for about $206. I was also charged $406 through Macy's because of some penalties that come with stealing their merchandise. If over merchandise amounts to over $200, then there is a 200 dollar penalty plus a dollar fee for each dollar amount stolen. While in the LP office, a police officer came in and put me under arrest but he said I was being arrested through the mail or something because all they were going to do was send a court date notice to me.
I have a clean slate if that matters at all and I feel really stupid for this being my first offense.
My court date is on the 29th, and I was wondering what would be the best way to handle this? Should I plead not guilty? Am I going to have to pay anymore fines? Will I be going to jail? Can I do community service to make sure it doesn't go on my record? Should I get a public defender? any advice is welcome. thank you

