... I have one misdemeanor charge in April for Marij poss. In a DFZ, and a charge from a few weeks ago for Marij poss ...
... I ... have stayed clean since my last charge ...
... the most promising one said that ... I can get this reduced to 6 months differed probation ...
... The lawyer wants $2500 to represent me for both charges. Is it worth it or should I represent myself?
Thank you for providing your state name, DanthemanOG.
If your original marijuana possession charge was for possessing 2 ounces OR LESS of marijuana, it would have been charged as a Class B misdemeanor. With a Class B misdemeanor, you face up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2000. A diversion program is available for eligible first offenders which allows for probation and a discharge and dismissal of the misdemeanor charge upon successful completion of all terms of the diversion program. This leaves the first offender with a clean criminal history.
Marijuana possession of 2 to 4 ounces of marijuana would be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, subject to one year in jail an up to $4000 in fines. A
second offense marijuana possession can also be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. There is (generally) no diversion program available for second offenses.
In addition, all penalties can be enhanced when charged with possession in a drug free zone.
Here is a link to Texas marijuana laws and penalties:
http://norml.org/laws/texas-penalties-2
Your attendance in Narcotics Anonymous classes can indicate to the court that you took the first possession charge seriously, but the fact that you re-offended a short time ago could erase any benefits these classes might otherwise have. In other words, I am not sure how helpful your voluntary NA classes will be to your charges since you reoffended, but it won't hurt for the court to know of the outpatient program.
I think the attorney you spoke to, who thought your charges could be reduced and that a 6 month probation with deferred sentencing was a possibility, might have been a bit optimistic about the outcome. That said, the $2500 fee for handling both charges does not sound unreasonable. I think you will want an experienced attorney with you when you appear at your scheduled hearing, whether it is the optimistic attorney you choose or another attorney who has a good record of getting marijuana charges reduced or dismissed.
Personally I think the Texas laws on marijuana are draconian ... but they are what they are.
Good luck.