My question involves criminal law for the state of: NV
Let me start out by explaining the why- I have a crippling immune system disease that has gotten so bad that I cannot work. I was working and going to school, and the stress made me extremely sick to the point where I failed two classes. My doctor told me to focus on school and that I shouldn't be working, so I had to quit. I live with my parents and attend college, so I don't need to worry about bills- but everything else is mine to take care of. My fiance was in an accident and is also currently unable to work (as demanded by a doctor), and I am the only one with any form of income. I get 300 dollars a month to feed and take care of the necessities of 2 people, and also for gas (my car takes $60 a week to fill) and any sort of repairs I need for anything or items I may want/need to buy.
So I hit this point where both my fiance and I needed soo much stuff that I just snapped. I was in store picking up a new toothbrush for me, and some other little things that he needed. (I bought these.) While I was looking for these things at Wal-Mart, I saw all the stuff I needed just sitting there. I usually strongly oppose ANY kind of law breaking shinanigans, but I guess I just hit bottom. It is only the beginning of the month and I had already spent 100 dollars of my 300, and I needed the rest for food and gas so I couldn't afford any of the other stuff I needed. I snapped. I (poorly) tried to steal some of these products, then purchased what I came there for. I was walking out the door when a strange woman who was much larger than I was roughly grabbed me and started shaking me and asking me to come with her. I was scared out of my mind because I thought I was being kidnapped :P I didn't even think I was being caught at the time.
So she caught me, promised to not call the police if I complied, then went through my bag. She did call the police, and then filled out all the paperwork while we waited. They were all actually really nice to me, and were very friendly and cordial. The LP woman who caught me actually gave me her number to call if I ever needed anything after she heard my situation.
I have a citation for petit larceny and a court date. The senior cop (I got two- a newbie and his overseer) told me I could just call the court number during business hours and discuss with them a solution so I wouldn't have to go to court. He told me to just call, plea no contest, tell them my income situation, and tell them I don't know what to do. I could offer to pay a fine, which would be hard with my income, but I wouldn't have to go to court.. But if I wanted to do community work I would need to go in to court.
I read all the advice here but it just leaves my head spinning- I'm so anxious that I'm having trouble thinking straight. I did a horrible thing, and I'm taking responsibility by myself- I just want to recieve my punishment and move forward. The idea of being in court is driving me crazy (I have a slight anxiety disorder). I never imagined myself being there.. Ever.
I can't afford a lawyer for sure. I have so little money, the idea of having to pay two large fines is breaking me down. I already have no idea how I will do that...
Legally, what is there left for me to do..? Should I follow the seasoned cop's advice, or just show up to court and try to represent myself? I can't afford any kind of help here.. I feel.. Stuck.

