Adult Caution question

I’m certainly not looking for advice.

Simply a procedural question.

So once the first court appearance has happened it’s gone?

Thanks.

The situation is that I didn't do anything wrong, however I stupidly went down to a Garda station and did a voluntary interview where I'm worried I fecked up by saying a person on CCTV from a year ago with a hood up and walking a route that I regularly walk (not pictured doing anything wrong mind you) could be me. I was then told this person was suspected of damaging property, which I of course said I didn't do. My solicitor still hasn't seen footage or statements but I'm basically worried that by going to court I'll get a conviction and maybe I should just reluctantly take the Caution to get it over and done with. I also don't deal very well with anxiety and have been stressed out for months over it.

The Garda himself told me after interview he thought that should be the end of it but later told me his boss said to him that he thought there was enough evidence to charge me.

I have a date for the first appearance in court. What I'm wondering is does to the Caution have to be taken by then, or can I decide before the actual hearing date, if you get me.