I’m A Bartender And Failed An Underage Sting, Help!!

Location: Shoshone County, Idaho, United States

I’ve never even had a speeding ticket so I am so lost. I’m a 20 year old bartender in Idaho, yes we can serve alcohol at 19 here, and I failed a sting a few weeks ago. A girl came in, I carded her, and misread her id. I didn’t have my glasses, the sun was in my eyes, etc. the point is that I misread the date, thought it was a legal one, and served her. I was given a citation for a misdemeanor, serving alcohol to a minor. I was given my court date today and desperately need advice before the big day.

Should I get a public attorney? I was given the forms to apply for one and am unsure if I’ll need one for this case.

Should I just plead guilty? The cops know already that I served a minor, but I worry if I plead guilty they’ll just throw the book at me. And I didn’t knowingly serve a minor, I fully thought her Id said a legal date and wouldn’t have ever served her if I thought otherwise.

I’m starting college this fall to be a teacher, will this hurt my chances of being one in the future as far as background checks? Is there anything I can do to prevent this from going on my record?

I’ve already registered for alcohol serving classes through the state and am planning to get new glasses since I didn’t have a pair at the time of the sting. I also plan to go to the eye doctor to get proof of my severe astigmatism and poor eyesight. Is there anything else I can do to prepare for court. Sorry this is rushed I apologize for any typos or poor grammar. I’m panicking a bit since I’ve never been in any legal trouble before.