My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I was caught in macys stealing 325 dollars worth of clothing. I was caught with wire cutters when this happened. Loss prevention stopped me and took me to a room where i was interrogated and questioned. i told them it was not in my intent to do it and that it just happened. they made me sign paper work and i did. The cops later came and asked me why i had done this and if it was intended to do such a thing. I told them no...they also asked me where i worked and i lied to them and told that i was not working but in reality i do have a job. I was in jail for about 3 hours until my parents came and got me out. Now i have a court date next month. I've never been in this situation and i'm not sure what i'll be facing. I was charged with 2nd degree burglary, first time offense, not grand theft since it was under 400 dollars. At this point i'm not sure if i should hire an attorney or just wait to see if a public defense can help me with this situation. What could i be facing? should i plead guilty or not guilty? What plead bargaining should my lawyer be working on? can i ask him to negotiate diversion to lessen the penalties i might be facing? Also should i wait for my first court date to ask for a public defense? i have a lawyer ready to help me out if all fails. what should i do?

