I was arrested for shoplifting $23.99 worth of merchandise and released on a court summons in Virginia. I turned 18 five days before the date of the crime and I am facing criminal charges for the first time. I am planning on attempting to obtain a public defender to help represent me in my trial. What steps should I take to obtain a public defender and what should I expect as punishment?

Ah bummer this is all too sad

You will plead not guilty and ask for a public defender.

Depending on the evidence you try and get off, if for some reason they can not prove you did the crime.

Next you don't make any statements or confession to the police.

You also can ask or have your attorney ask about a plea deal to get into a first offender program ( if they have one there) that allows charges to be dropped after a peroid of probation or community service.