My question involves criminal law for the state of: CALIFORNIA
22 of age, Got caught shoplifting; petty theft, no prior criminal record, signed a civil demand paper, the police came and gave me a citation with a court date.
My questions are : On my first date of court what will happen? As in what kind of questions will they ask me? Because i heard from some of friends that the judge will only introduce the case to me and i get to hire a public defender on the same day, is that right? Will the judge ask if i am guilty or not guilty on the first day of court? thank you!!!

