I was caught stealing around 80$ worth of merchandise from a department store. I was given a pink paper with "petite larceny" and have to appear in court within the next five days. This is my first offense, I'm 18 and have no idea what to do. First off I realize that I did something really wrong, and I am guilty. But I cannot let my parents know. Do you really have to have a lawyer and is pleading "not guilty" when you're guilty really ok since it just buys time? Again, I want to get this over as soon as I can so my parents won't find out. Thank you very much