Are we a little slow?

Look at your ticket. I am sure it will explain that it is a civil violation.

A civil violation carries ONLY a fine. You can NOT be put in jail or placed on probation. Probation is an alternative sentence to jail, and there is no jail sentence possible on a civil ticket. There is no criminal charge, it is civil.

If for any reason it is a criminal charge, then you need to ask the court to appoint an attorney if you are poor, or hire your own.

However, from the description and the fact that you were not actually arrested, it is a civil violation.

You were detained. You were not arrested, although that was apparently the original intent of the police.

Your record or lack of it has nothing to do with nothing.