I have been charged with a class 6 felony for shoplifting 500 some odd dollars at a department store. All in all, I am not gulity, but it is a long story!!! I know the punishment as stated by the law, but what are my chances of ACTUALLY going to jail for a first time offense? I am over 30, and I have never been in trouble before. Do I need a lawyer, or will my public defender do? What usually happens in these cases? Will pleading guilty, although I am not, be a better thing?

