You're actually dealing with two things here. One is a civil matter, and the other is criminal. The civil matter is the money you sent to the retailer, and the criminal matter is when you have to go to court. As you probably already know, you have the right to a public defender, which I recommend you get. Plead not guilty and request a public defender. You might want to talk to said defender about a difference program if one is available. If you can in any way find the money for a private attorney, I suggest you do it.