My question involves criminal law for the state of: new york. So here's the question, I was working for a major department store, they didn't like how I was handling things, I did a better job than they did the employees, actually listened to me, the other members of management , didn't do there jobs, and didn't like me showing them up. So I returned a microwave, that I bought there, I never opened it apparently someone opened it, and put a different microwave in it. They happened to open the box after I returned it, then accused me of doing that. They then proceeded to fire me, and then sent me to their retail theft dept, and made up some random fee amoutn of 225 , the microwave was only 70. I paid that and their letter said that they wouldn't take me to court, I received a letter in the mail yesterday saying that they are taking me to court on Wednesday. I can't afford much of a lawyer maybe 1,000 or 2,000, I have never been convicted of any crimes, only traffic violations and driving without a license. What can I do, Can I get free or low cost legal asistance?, I can't afford to go to jail, I will loose everything, I have nothing I can sell to pay for additional legal fees, I don't even own my house. I was unemployed for about 3 months after that , I now make 11 an hour at a 40 hour a week job. I don't want this to affect my chances of ever getting a different job again. How can I get an attorney.
Thanks for your help.

