momintrouble

I was chraged with petty theft at Kohl's in irvine and would like to hire an attorney to get me out of this trouble.

My question is should i hire an independent attorney or is it better to go with a reputed law firm? They both are charging the same.

Also if i get a letter from Kohl's asking any civil damage should i pay or hold off as i was told that paying it off would be admission of guilt.

Thanks.