Petty larceny....................?

I got caught stealing at walmart in oklahoma a week ago, the cops showed up, walked me outta the store and issued a summons. I asked how much the ticket was and city hall told me it was $549, I also have court in a couple weeks. Why would they already have a price for me to pay if I havent went to court yet? could I just pay it now and skip court? whats the point in going to court? and hireing a public defender?