I am a 24 year old Chinese girl studying my Master in Ga. I got eating disorder one year before (I can't stop eating until it make me feel so bad that I have to use my hand to get the food out), and this is a mental illness to me since it makes me couldn't control myself when I am in this feeling. On 10 Oct 2008, I went to JCpanny around 6pm after school to buy some underwear. I chose 5 underwear, then I felt very hungry at that time, which is cuased by my eating disorder (I spend $100 per day on food since). At that moment, I thinked I could save a little money if I steal the underwear ($25 total value). I did it and I was caught by the security. Then the police came and I was arrested. I was so afriad that I was shaking at that time. I was taken to the jail by the police(I didn't do anything). Since I had to go to school on the second day, I paid $485 and they let me leave. I am a good student, and I know that if that conviced, I am going to loss my future. I will never get visa to go to the State again and never find a job here. I had my purse when I was in the store since I intended to pay for that. I just conldn't control myself at that monent. The court date is on 20 Jan. 2008. What can I do now? Please help me. Thank you very much! Since I am a international student(my tuition is four times compare to the instate tuition), and it is illegle for me to work in the State, I don't have a lot of money to deal with the case. I heard that there is a possibility that I can get free defense in the court. Please help me!

You can go to legal aide and fill out a form for low income legal assistance. You might want to also ask the Judge for therapy in some cases if you prove you have psychological problems and seek help it can be an alternative to jail and a criminal record.
Be honest and cooperative with the court that is most important.
Trying to deny you did wrong is the worst thing you can do, since it looks like you are making excuses and not owning up to responsibility.