got caught shoplifting at walmart have to go to court what do i need to do
EVERY lawyer gave you a great answer.
I would add one thing. In the future, NEVER admit to committing a crime on a public forum; even this one. There's no confidentiality here.
Now, go get yourself a lawyer.
Hire a criminal defense attorney if you can or if you cannot afford one, ask for a court-appointed attorney at court.
I'm going to assume that you were given a misdemeanor citation in lieu of arrest.
1.) Make sure that you go to your booking and processing date. Failure to go to booking and processing won't help you in any way, but it will make the prosecutor and Judge less likely to cut you a break.
2.) Hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. A lawyer can negotiate your case, prepare your defense, and make sure that you understand every step of the process.
3.) Check to see if your court date has been rescheduled due to COVID-19 court closures. You can click this link for a list of reset dates. https://files.constantcontact.com/b56385aa501/80c5dbce-5083-4e11-8477-d9f3870c7d62.pdf General sessions court dates are on the second page.
The court is going to require you to either hire a private attorney or ask to have a public defender appointed. If you qualify financially, you may get the public defender. Regardless, you will want an attorney as it's possible there may be ways to keep you out of jail and keep this off your criminal record.
Be sure to show up for your booking and processing date (assuming you weren't already booked if you were taken to jail). Be aware that court dates are being reset due to the Corona virus so you may want to confirm with the court clerk prior to going to court to be sure your court date is still on.
Hire an attorney to represent you before your court date.
Depends on your goal.
If you do not care about having a criminal record and being fined or potentially facing jail time you would do one thing.
If you want to try to avoid a conviction, you'd do another.
What is your goal?