Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

Do I plead guilty? Should I get a public defender or a lawyer?

I got arrested on 12/19/2013. My court date is on 12/31/2013.

I was with my friend on abandoned property (we were trespassing) and we were literally just walking around. We get back to the car after 20 minutes or so (friends driving, I'm the passenger) and before we get to leave a police officer pulls up. He said the car smelled like marijuana, even though we hadn't smoked, and asks if we have anything. My friend had a grinder and a one hitter and gave him it, and then he asked if we have anything else, and asked for permission to search the vehicle or he will bring out his K9 to smell it. So my friend told him there was a bag filled with another grinder, a jar, rolling papers, but no weed (just residue) in the trunk and gave him permission. The officer then also found two roaches (marijuana blunts) in the car as well. My friend said it was all his (and it was technically) but the cop proceeded to arrested both of us. I'm 20 years old and he's 18. We hadn't smoked anything that day. I don't know if this matters either but the cops never read us our miranda rights before or after arresting us.

So my questions are, should i plead guilty or not guilty? Should I get a lawyer or a public defender? What do I do? I'm feeling a little overwhelmed and lost, and I don't have a high enough income to really afford a lawyer. To anyone that answers, thank you for your help.

Extra info: The police officers criminal report said we had 3 grinders, we only had 2. I don't know if this makes a difference but it is wrong.

This is also my first drug related offense.

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