6th degree misdemeaner involving a controlled substance

[worried-crazy]

In Alaska

So I was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a friend. We got pulled over outside of city limits by state troopers for having a "defective windshield" the troopers proceeded to search our vehicle and cuff us when they found a marijuana pipe despite there being no marijuana except residue on the pipe. So then one of the troopers without showing either of us the marijuana pipe said that hey had found a "pipe" they asked us who's it was, i said it was mine. Then they issued me a citation for a 4th degree misdemeanor involving a controlled substance. I went to my arraignment and received a copy of the citation that was fully filled out and "4th" was crossed out and replaced with "6th." They offered me a deal to plead guilty, It was 1 year "suspended imposition of sentence", 500$ fine, and I believe 40 hours community service. I rejected by pleading not guilty.

So now I have a fast approaching court date and I'm not sure what to do. I'd like to defend myself in court. But I'm afraid of making things worse. Is it possible to plead guilty at this point? I want to go to a university that requires a background check and security clearance. Would the SiS misdemeanor charge still show up after the year, I've heard that they will. I will pass a drug test and have never failed one, I've had to take them periodically for jobs. Is it possible to fight this case and win? I want to defend myself by saying that I misidentified the pipe as mine since the officers never showed it to me and described it incorrectly as a "pipe" instead of a "marijuana pipe" when asking me about it. Will it be possible for me to get a jury if i go to trial with this? Should I take a jury if i have the option. Could I win? Could I claim religious association with the pipe, or get off on some other technicality. I do not mind taking the punishment for this at all. I just do not want a "drug charge" because i believe it will keep me from getting into this school i really want to go to.