My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
2 days ago I was arrested for petty theft pc488. I was caught stealing from Target and I am an employee there. The total amount that I stole was 450 dollars. I was brought into a room and was question, there I confess and sign an agreement to pay them back. The police came and arrested me and brought me to the station. The police took my picture and fingerprinted me. I received a ticket that says pc 488 with midemanor circled. At the bottom of the ticket, it says i have to appear in court on 05-12-2010.
Im 20 yrs old and in college. I made a stupid mistake and regret what I have done. Im short in money and don't know what to do next. I dont really have money for a lawyer so how do I get a public defender? What should I plea? Is there anyway to erase this since it is my first time offense? What do I do in court?
Thank You for reading this and any help is grateful.

