My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
Basically I was stupid! I'm 44 years old, FIRST time ever doing something like this.
"There's no right to do a wrong thing" but I've been hit very hard financially (like many of us) My budget is very low and my car just happen to have the "check engine" light on (not to mention needs new tires and oil change which calls for over $1K expense). I went to buy some stuff for home then I saw this "Car Decoder" and I (stupidly) decided to take it out of its package and conceal it in my pocket and try to fix my car on my own.
As I walked out I was confronted by the Lost Prevention team (who happen to saw me and followed me while performing the shoping and the stealing) Cops where called, fingerprints, pictures taken, etc all paperwork and process done and court date scheduled for 4/22/10.
Value of stolen goods under $100
My Question:
What are the odds to getting the case dismissed or not on my record? This is my ever first time doing something unlawful (Shame on me, not even when I was a teenager did stupid stuff but, hey I guess some of us humans are prone to failure).
I have a job ($64K/ year) however after taxes and bill payments I don't have enought to hire a lawyer. Could I be able to be represented by a Public defender?
What should I do?

