Virginia Appeal First Court Hearing Conviction 1st Time Petty Theft. What To Do?

[anon22]

I had a conviction of shoplifting. It was a first offence and the amount was under $200. I have never been in trouble before this. I was appointed a public defender for financial reasons. At the first trial the judge ordered me to spend two days in jail, pay court costs and enter a program. There another lady before me that was there for a second offence and was given 30 days in jail. The judge basically told me that because she was given time I needed it too. Her case had nothing to do with mine. I appealed the decision and have another trial in a few days. It seemed like the attorney that was appointed to me it not too concerned with helping me. Its like he tried to not get me to appeal the decision by saying it could be worse. When I was caught in WalMart I had items that belonged to me that were recently purchase from there. I had been carrying items from my vehicle into a neighbors house that I way staying at. I filed for divorce against my husband and was having problems at home. I just happened to have those items with me to take in her residence when I decided to go to the store before it got much later. The officer said that the items looked new to him and that I must have taken them too. I was told if I could show them a receipt for them that they would let me have them. They were personal clothing items that I don't save receipts for and didn't have a need to. He went through my wallet to see how much cash I had on me. I was even questioned about a slim jim snack I had. I was so upset I told him to just take everything I had if he felt he needed to. I was going through a lot of things at the time this happened and don't know what made me take the few items I did. How stupid! I did purchase other items at this time. I had no intentions of going in the store to shoplift and leave. I don't know what I should do now and I'm worried that the second outcome could be worse on me. I don't know if there is a diversion program or something like that that could save me jail time and keep it off my record in the area of Virginia I am in. My appointed attorney is not helping me and I am trying to research the internet to see what or if there is anything I can do. I was cooperative with the officer and they even stated that along with the LP's in my first trial. What should I do?