Always plead not guilty, STOP STEALING, you'll only get one FREE pass, don't admit or confess anything, if you can't afford a lawyer, ask the judge to appoint a public defender,,and discuss this ONLY with the PD. then shut up, wait, STOP STEALING for the rest of your life, and never miss any court date.
You won't go to jail, if what you said is true, you might do community service, be ordered to take some anti-theft classes, ethics classes, etc... Pay a small fine, however more than the junk that most people STEAL, pay some class fees, court costs, fines, etc...
Don't ask me how much, the judge or your lawyer will tell you. If its $500, and you don't ave it all, they'll give you a payment plan.
Now, STOP STEALING, it's never worth the hassle and it's better to be broke and FREE than liked in a cage like a tiger.